The History of Benson Mule Days
The small town of Benson, North Carolina, with a population of around 4000, will swell to approximately 20,000 come September when the Annual Benson Mule Days Celebration, sponsored by the Benson…
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Category: History & Heritage
America 250 Events & Community Commemorations Planned in JoCo
Johnston County will mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a series of commemorative events, heritage programs, and community celebrations designed to honor the nation’s founding while…
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Meet Local Ghost Legends in Smithfield Oct. 30th
The Johnston County Heritage Center will stage its 21st annual Ghost Walk on Thursday, October 30, in Smithfield’s historic Riverside Cemetery. Beginning at 6 pm, five personalities from colonial…
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Bentonville 160: A Photo Essay
On March 15-16, 2025, thousands of living historians from across the country descended on Bentonville Battlefield for the 160th Anniversary Reenactment of North Carolina’s largest battle. Over…
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A Flashback Through the History of the Heritage Center
We wanted to take a look back at the beginnings of the Johnston County Heritage Center as they prepare to unveil their new exhibit, "Living Under a Mushroom Cloud: The Early Cold War Years," on…
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The Entertaining History of Benton Card Co.
In Downtown Benson sits a multi-generational, family-owned business called Benton Card Company; sitting in a geographical footprint that goes back just as far. If you, like me, have previously…
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Reclaiming the Black Past: An Artifactual Journey
The Johnston County Heritage Center is hosting a special Black History event this fall highlighting stories, places, and artifacts from Johnston County and beyond. “Reclaiming the Black Past: An…
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Tobacco Farm Life Museum Barn Restoration Complete
The restoration of the tobacco barn at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum has been completed. Restoration work helped correct weather damage that had, over time, taken its toll on the historic building…
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Bentonville's Trails & Upcoming Events
Just a short reminder that it is the Year of the Trail in North Carolina. You can learn all about how and why and what in our previous blog detailing the Year of the Trail initiative and how Johnston…
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Historic Tobacco Barn At Risk in Kenly
Due to the continued support from the public, grants, and the state, the Tobacco Farm Life Museum has grown and persevered even through these last two exceedingly difficult years. However, as the…
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