March 4. Huntersville’s historic Hugh Torrance House and Store  presents The Irish Connection on Saturday, March 19.

All ages are welcome to join the free, community event for an afternoon of Irish music, Irish dance, Irish history and more. 

The event will be 1 pm to 6 pm Saturday, March 19 at  Cedar Grove and the Hugh Torance House and Store

8231 Gilead Rd, Huntersville.  Details here.  

RSVPs requested on the Events page. All guests registering online become eligible for door prizes announced at the event throughout the day.

Dr. Hugh Dussek, professor of history, will share the fascinating immigrant story of Hugh Torance’s 1763 journey from Ireland to Huntersville and the Scotch-Irish connection to our region.

The event also connects the heritage of many African Americans who share Irish lineage and features a performance by award-winning actor, playwright, professor, and director Michael D. Connor.

 “Cedar Groove” will feature the traditional Irish tunes of the Carolina Thunder Mugs and the Charlotte Folk Society, along with additional guest musicians. Irish dancers from the Connick School of Irish Dance will perform two sets, dancing and sharing history as well.

 For more details, click here. 

The Hugh Torance House and Store is the event hub, offering beer, wine, refreshments, artisan goods, tours, and living history reenactments. New store offerings feature the talents of many local craftspeople, and include honey, candles, soap, gifts, toys and  books. The historic store is one of Mecklenburg County’s few surviving 18th-century structures and is adjacent to Cedar Grove, the 1831 Greek Revival home of James Torrance, son of Hugh and Isabella Torance.

This is the second event for HTHS featuring the HEARTS mission highlighting History, Ecology, Arts, Reunion, Trails, and Store. HEARTS events share place-based experiences and explore local connections through the arts, nature, and history, providing a multi-faceted event for all ages.