The Irish Connection

Huntersville’s historic Hugh Torrance House and Store (HTHS) presents “The Irish Connection” on Saturday, March 19th from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Free to the community, the event features local Irish connections with Irish music, Irish dance, and historic interpretations in Cedar Grove’s parlor and the Hugh Torance House and Store grounds.

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.

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.

The March edition of “Cedar Groove” features 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.

The Hugh Torance House and Store, the oldest standing store in North Carolina, becomes new again at HEARTS events. The 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, books, and more. 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 a free community event with RSVPs requested on the Events page. All guests registering online become eligible for door prizes announced at the event throughout the day.

This event is made possible by dedicated volunteers, HEARTS Circle members, community partners Lake Norman Realty and Armin’s Catering, and community donations. All proceeds benefit HTHS’s efforts to further the HEARTS mission of historic preservation, ecological conservation, and forging community connections in our region.

The historic Hugh Torance House and Store is located at 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Parking is available in the new greenway parking lot on Gilead Road at McDowell Creek.