Hugh Torance House and Store

In 2022, the Hugh Torance House and Store, Inc, a 32 year-old local non-profit in Huntersville, NC, invested in a fresh approach to reach more people, connect more deeply with our local stories, and share our local history through place based experiences. New audiences are coming together for each event, and repeat visitors keep coming back. We are evolving and exploring more ways to continue this exciting momentum in 2023.

The historic Hugh Torance House and Store is North Carolina's oldest surviving store and one of Mecklenburg County’s few surviving 18th-century structures. Located in Huntersville, North Carolina, the Store is the hub for all program offerings. ​Operated by the Hugh Torance House and Store (HTHS), a private 501c3 nonprofit, we are dedicated to sharing the history of the site through the mission and vision of HEARTS, connecting the Store with Cedar Grove, the 1831 Greek Revival home of James Torrance, son of Hugh and Isabella Torance. Goals with historic preservation and ecological conservation always first in mind, respectfully and sensitively explore and recognize the vast history and ecology of the site and region. Share stories of connections, and inspire through music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Honor everyone from the past with connections to the land. Connect to the adjacent Carolina Thread Trail and greenway network, with trails to the main historic structures, as well as the beautiful natural trails meandering the land; recognizing the remaining structures and ruins; identifying native species, and sharing their historic lore. Develop outdoor spaces for the arts, gardens, reflection spaces, events, and educational opportunities. Operate a financially sound model. Create a destination for tourists and a community hub for locals. Through utilizing History, Ecology, Arts, Reunion, Trails, and Store, we strive to create unique place-based experiences intertwining the history of this site from prehistoric times to modern-day, with its people, nature, and the arts; connecting the deep past of our region.