Author David Fleming at Freedom Spring, photo courtesy of David Fleming
April 21. By Abigail Jennings. Join us for HEARTS: Let Freedom Spring and discover the significance of Freedom Spring. On this practically unknown yet significant North Mecklenburg historic site, colonial scholars discussed liberty from the King, leading to the Meck Dec, and ultimately the Revolutionary War.
Featured authors and historians Scott Syfert and David Fleming will share Meck Dec and Freedom Spring stories on land that was once part of Alexandriana, the massive plantation estate of John McKnitt Alexander.
In addition, learn about the fascinating natural history of springs and their inhabitants, and immerse yourself in the “Creatures of the Springs” community art exhibit. Enjoy captivating 18th-century-inspired live music by the Carolina folk duo Tom Eure and Amelia Osborne, featuring fiddles, banjos, and enchanting Crankie storytelling!
It’s all happening with HEARTS (history, ecology, arts, reunion, trails, store) and presented at Pioneer Springs Community School in the Historic Croft District, also home to the historic Davis General Store, both of which are on land that was once part of the Alexander plantation.
The program highlights the historic Freedom Spring on Alexander’s estate, where a group of colonial scholars from Princeton gathered to discuss freedom from British rule, leading to the creation of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775 (a date honored on the NC State flag). Join us to learn more about this incredible American history that happened right here in our own backyard.
Details
Saturday, May 24, 2-4 pm at Pioneer Springs Community School, 9232 Bob Beatty Road, Charlotte.
Free to the community, but tickets are required. (Donations are very appreciated.)
Visit www.HEARTSCircle.org for tickets.
Featured Speakers
Featured speakers David Fleming and Scott Syfert each dove deep into history and traveled the globe for their intense Meck Dec research. However, their research on Freedom Spring happened much closer to home, and they’ll be sharing their stories at this year’s HEARTS: Let Freedom Spring. In addition, Fleming will have his book, Who’s Your Founding Father? available for purchase and for signing.
David Fleming is the author of four books and a Meadowlark Media correspondent. During the last three decades at Sports Illustrated, ESPN and Meadowlark, Fleming has been one of the industry’s most prolific, versatile, and imaginative longform storytellers. His unique work has earned numerous national awards as well as a handwritten note from the White House. Fleming is the author of A Big Mess in Texas, Who’s Your Founding Father?, Breaker Boys, and Noah’s Rainbow. Fleming and his wife, Kim, live in Davidson, North Carolina with their daughters.
Scott Syfert is an attorney at Moore & Van Allen, a native of Charlotte, and a co-founder of the May 20th Society. Syfert’s book, The First Declaration of Independence? The Disputed History of the Mecklenburg Declaration of May 20, 1775, is the product of ten years of research and thought about the story, the controversy, and its impact on Charlotte’s history. According to Ken Burns, “Scott Syfert rescues and then brings vividly to life a little-known story of our Revolutionary past and the urgent need by our ancestors for freedom.”
British military historian Andrew Roberts writes, “This book is one of the finest pieces of historical detective work I’ve ever read. Scott Syfert is the Sherlock Holmes of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.”
Art and Nature
As always, ecology and the arts are intertwined with history at HEARTS happenings. Natural springs and the species that live there will be presented by biologist Aaron Kampe. “Creatures of the Spring,” a community all-ages art exhibit in partnership with the Cain Center for the Arts will also be on display. The contest is free and open to all ages. Guest judge, Director of Visual Arts and Education for the Cain Center, Simone El Bey, will select the award-winning artworks for both the Adult and Youth Categories, presenting cash prizes of $75-$200 to the award winners at the event. Artwork submission is due by May 16th.
Featured Musicians
Live 18th-century-inspired music by the amazing Tom Eure and Amelia Osborne, a Carolina folk duo, offer up a heartfelt fusion of Celtic, Appalachian, and spiritual influences. In concert, Eure and Osborne seamlessly change from one instrument to the next, swirling together fiddles, banjos, bodhrán, mandolins, guitars, and rousing vocal harmonies.
In addition to their music, they will also present a Crankie. Crankies are an enchanting form of Folk Art storytelling with roots back to the 1800s.
Visit the Historic Davis Store Too!
Down the street from Pioneer Springs Community School, the historic Davis General Store will be open prior to the event, so be sure to plan time for a visit to this lovely landmark, and you’ll likely see something you forgot you needed too!
Support HEARTS
HEARTS happenings are free, place-based gatherings featuring music, visual arts, and lectures exploring local history, nature, and our shared sense of place. These events are made possible by dedicated volunteers, HEARTS Circle members, presenting partner Lake Norman Realty, and donations. HEARTS strives for historic preservation, ecological conservation, and forging community connections in our region. May is for Membership in HEARTS, and we encourage those who support preserving and sharing our local history to join or renew today. HEARTS is actively working in our region to prevent the loss of special places, and needs community support to make this possible. For more information, visit www.HEARTSCircle.org, email info@heartscircle.org, or call (704) 920-9931.
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