Fall Festivals in Full Swing Soon

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 Artifactual Journey” will take place September 29-30, with two main events featuring special guests, performances, and even a meal.

Friday, September 29, 6 pm until…

A Campfire Discussion

Led by Joseph McGill, Jr., Executive Director of The Slave Dwelling Project, at the Boyette Slave House, 3696 Glendale Road, Kenly, NC. Reservation required. Make a reservation by calling the Johnston County Museum, 919-938-5912, or by sending an email to heritagecenter@johnstonnc.com.

Saturday, September 30, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Artifactual Journey of Black North Carolina—Johnston County Edition

Led by Philip J. Merrill, African American historian, collector, appraiser, and author, at the Johnston County Agricultural Center, 2736 NC Highway 210, Smithfield. Also features living historian Joe McGill, singer and story-teller Mary D. Williams, and dramatic interpreter Denise Joyner Bennett

Lunch – traditional African American cuisine served in Ag Center Auditorium (ticket required, may be purchased at the Johnston County Museum, 329 E. Market Street, Smithfield, or online.)

Have an artifact to display? - Attendees with artifacts they wish to display or to show and discuss with Philip Merrill are encouraged to make a reservation by calling the Johnston County Museum, 919-938-5912, or by sending an email to heritagecenter@johnstonnc.com.