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What does it mean to preserve the past for future generations?  It’s a spark that ignites a passion.  Just as our founder, Dr. Bob Hart discovered his passion for preserving North Carolina heritage when he moved the first historic cabin to Hart Square Village, that passion lives on through the legacy of preserving and sharing cultural heritage. 

This spark.  This passion.  It’s ignited by you.

We see this spark in the child who visits Hart Square Village on a field trip.  I have watched as they learn and witnessed a little girl raise her hand and ask, “Can a girl be a blacksmith?”  It’s there, the desire to pursue a traditional trade.

We see this spark in the teen who stepped back in time at the Heritage Festival and decided that she wanted to pursue an endangered craft.  At the 40th Fall Heritage Festival, I couldn’t help but smile as I saw not one, but two youth apprentices demonstrating bobbin lacemaking, confidently sharing the nuances of this artform with visitors instead of watching it fade from existence.  It’s there, the desire to learn a traditional craft.

We see this spark in the college intern who was “blown away by the story of the cabins being found and moved to the site,” an intern who wishes to return next summer to continue building the necessary skills to preserve this special place.  It’s there, the desire to learn the art of historic restoration. 

We see this spark as I drive the 90-year-old senior into the historic village on a golf cart tour and he says, “This is such a blessing.  I never would have been able to see this place.”  It’s there, the desire to see and learn new things regardless of age.

This ability to preserve and share cultural heritage is only possible with your support.  When you make a financial contribution today, you are preserving the past for future generations.