Calvin Edwards / Photo provided by HTHS

June 1. The Cedar Grove and the Hugh Torance House and Store will hold “Junion,” a free community event with music, stories and discussion from 1 pm to 6 pm on Saturday June 18.

The keynote speaker is Andre’ Kearns, a descendant of Charlotte Kerns, a woman who was enslaved to James G. Torrance, the man who built the Cedar Grove plantation.

Kearns / Photo provided by HTHS

Kearns will share his approach to genealogy, how he applied it to trace his connection back to Cedar Grove, and how his journey has helped to inspire the onsite genealogy initiative. Kearns  holds an MBA from Harvard and serves on the board of the National Genealogical Society.

Following Mr. Kearns’ presentation, additional Torrance connections to the historic African American neighborhoods of Smithville, Pottstown, and Long Creek, will also be shared.

‘Cedar Groove’

The Calvin Edwards Trio will also perform. Edwards is a notable soul jazz and blues musician, who, at the age of six, began to play the guitar. At 17, he joined the famous gospel group, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama and played with them for many years.

Ongoing special events

“Junion” is the fourth event for HTHS featuring the HEARTS mission highlighting History, Ecology, Arts, Reunion, Trails, and Store.

The event is free, but RSVP’s are requested. Click here to RSVP.

For more information, visit www.hught.org, email info@hughtorancehouseandstore.org, or call 704-920-9931.

The historic Hugh Torance House and Store is located at 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville.