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Spring Bookings Now Closed
Students engage in four hands-on experiences in the nation's most extensive collection of log cabins.
During a field trip to Hart Square, students will spend 30 minutes at each class listed below.
Authentic experiences are held outdoors and in the Sigmon Family Education Center. Our field trip day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Students - $15
Chaperones - $20 (Limited to 50 per day)
School Staff - Free
Spring Field Trip Day Activities
Herb Gardening and Seed Starting
The herb garden was planted for cooking herbs and plants that provided purposes of medicine, fragrance, and dye. Plant placement was informed by two rich traditions, including the 17th and 18th-century European gardens and Native American practices. Gardening is a huge part of life today as well. Come connect the past to the present with our talented herbologist.
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Square Dancing Station
Journey into the past and learn square dances, step dances, reels, and other dance forms practiced in Southern Appalachia. These distinctive folk dances are the culmination of the many heritages that settled in this region. Folk dancing today is built on the European, African American, and Native American traditions of our past, but they are very much alive in the present.
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Pinch Pot Pottery
Venture centuries back in time and learn about the area’s first peoples (the Catawba people) and their earthenware traditions. Follow the history to the early 19th century, when European settlers began creating alkaline glazed stoneware made from the clay of the Catawba River Valley. Learn the still-active and vibrant artistic tradition while joining it with your hand-crafted pinch pot.
Carolina Life Cabin Tour
On a behind-the-scenes look at Hart Square Village, we will explore several cabin interiors, learn about the tools and inventions of the nineteenth century, and experience daily life for this area's inhabitants and settlers. Hart Square’s historic log cabin collection is the largest in the nation, and during this station, you will get a sample of what it was like to live in Early America. We will engage in many compare and contrast exercises as we look at life then and now!
Meet the Artists
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Judy Sigmon - Herbal Exploration and Gardening
I am from Bethesda, MD, and attended N.C.S.U., where I received my B.S. in Horticulture and met and married my husband, Bill Sigmon. I moved to Newton and opened a greenhouse/growing business in 1981.
As a Master Gardener volunteer and trainer, I spent time as an adjunct professor of horticulture at C.V.C.C. in the late ’80s and ’90s. We sold most of our gardening business in 2006 while Bill continued his landscape and irrigation contractor business under Carolina Sunshine Landscaping. I learned new skills and shared my passions by teaching about herbs, art, gardening, science, and nature to all age groups. I’ve been married 43+ years have two daughters and three grandchildren. I have also led the “Art For All” programs at the Hickory Museum of Art (an outreach program of art classes).
I have volunteered at Hart Square for the past ten years as an Herb Gardener.
Debra Zimmerman - Pottery
I'm a potter and mosaic artist and have been creating art for most of my life. Having moved to Catawba Valley 10 years ago, I have spent the better part of that time dedicated to the craft of clay. My unique and whimsical pottery and stained glass mosaics can be found at local art shows, gift shops, and galleries under my business name ‘Groovy Girl Art Studio’. With a desire to educate and inspire others, I teach pottery and mosaic classes in area schools, community businesses, and in my home studio which I share with my husband, Dale who is also a potter.
Melessa Moody - Square Dance Caller
Hi! I am Melessa Moody. I am a retired early education teacher having taught 28 years in kindergarten, 2 in first grade and starting up a preschool at Bethany Lutheran in Hickory and teaching 3/4 year olds for five years. My last 10 years of teaching were spent in Watauga County, my hometown, but prior to that, I taught in Caldwell County for 4 years and Catawba County for 14 years.
During my last 14 years, I taught at Banoak Elementary School. I loved teaching at this small rural school located in the Vale community. I still have many contacts and friends from my experience, and I am so excited to be able to give back to the community by helping with field trips in the same location! My heart is in teaching children and learning more about history so it’s a beautiful opportunity to now teach children a piece of what I love most!
Tonya Faulkner - Village Tour Guide
Tonya is from Gastonia, NC. She taught elementary and middle school for many years. In 2016 she took her first hearth cooking class at Ramsours Mill and discovered a love for history and specifically historic cooking. After retiring from her teaching career Tonya has pursued volunteer work at many historic sites including Hart Square and also does face painting at community events. She loves the opportunity to share her passion for history with others.
Rick Monroe - Village Tour Guide
My name is Rick Monroe, and I am very excited to be at Hart Square today and to have the chance to talk about the Village and pioneer life in frontier North Carolina. I’ve lived in North Carolina all my life. Now, I live in Cornelius but grew up in Asheboro. My family has been in North Carolina since the late 1740s. I have been very interested in history, especially local and family history for many years. In college I studied history, economics and government. I have been interested in pioneer life and cabins ever since my seventh-grade English teacher handed me this book (The Foxfire Book) and said, Ricky, you’re a Boy Scout and into all this outdoor stuff, you’d like this book.” I was hooked. I’ve built a cabin on our old family farm, I’ve learned about wild edible foods and surviving in the wilderness. I’ve traced my ancestors back to the 1500s in Scotland and have learned a lot about this stuff and really enjoy sharing what I know, especially with interested young people.
Why Hart Square Village for our field trip?
Hart Square is the nation's largest collection of historic log cabins. When students visit the Village, they are not just walking through a museum. They interact with artists and tradespeople at work and gain a deeper appreciation for the living traditions that are still an integral part of our North Carolina communities. We specialize in hands-on activities, ensuring that every child has a unique piece they have hand-crafted to take home with them. We cap our daily student admission to 130 so your students can have a more intimate and memorable experience.
Refund Policy
In the case of cancellations, refunds will be offered up to 10 business days prior to your booking. Full refunds will be offered for school closures due to inclement weather or COVID-related outbreaks. Once your final count has been received we cannot offer partial refunds for changes in student numbers.
Complete the form below and we will get back to you!
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