Spring 2024 Booking Now!

April 8th - 11th
April 15th - 18th
April 22nd - 25th
April 29 - May 2nd

Students engage in 4 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 station listed below.  

Authentic experiences are held outdoors and in the Education Center.

Students - $15
Chaperones - $20 (Limited to 50 per day)
School Staff - Free

Your Day at Hart Square

Herb Gardening and Seed Starting
The pioneer 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. Work with an herb specialist to start some seeds that you can take back to your classroom and grow.

Preservation Station
Hart Square is home to over 100 19th-century cabins that are aging, and with that comes the mark of time. In this station, we will learn about the different threats posed to historic log cabins, the science behind their breakdown, and preventative measures taken to extend the life of these buildings. Through hands-on demonstrations and models, we will see the effects of weather and fungus and view authentic examples of decomposition and learn how to apply problem-solving solutions.

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, where European settlers began creating alkaline glazed stoneware made from the clay of the Catawba River Valley. Learn about this rich artistic tradition while becoming a part of it with your own hand-crafted pinch pot.

Carolina Life Cabin Tour 
Get 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 the pioneers. 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 like a pioneer.

Meet the Artists

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.

John and Scottie Post - Pottery

John and Scottie Post combine more than 30 years experience
in pottery and teaching. They started their Hog Hill Pottery
Studio in 1993, just a few miles from Hart Square. They have
participated in demonstrations at the Hart Square Festival and
in various workshops and classes in and around Catawba
County.

 

Huldah Bewley - Village Tour Guide

 

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 get to interact with artists and tradespeople at work and gain a deeper appreciation for the Early American pioneers with our hands-on activities. We cap our daily student admission to 200 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.