Experience Hillsborough, a small town with big history, at Historic Hillsborough Excursion Day on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Local sites are coming together to showcase Hillsborough’s historic significance through demonstrations, exhibits, tours and more.
This is a great chance to learn about this unique little town and take pride in its historic roots!
Stop by the Hillsborough Visitor Center, 150 E King Street, Hillsborough, NC, to get started, or consult this online brochure.
Learn about more things to do in Hillsborough.
Features at Sites
Visitor’s Center – 150 E King Street
Visit the Visitor’s Center to pick up tickets for the exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Preservation Tour, explore exciting local attractions in Hillsborough, and gather valuable insights at the information table hosted by Preservation Hillsborough. It’s your gateway to a day filled with history, culture, and community engagement.
West Hillsborough Walking Tour (meet at the gravel lot across from Whit’s Frozen Custard, 240 S Nash)
Embark on an enriching journey through West Hillsborough with our 1 PM walking tours. Delve into this community’s vibrant tapestry, from the bustling industrial area with its rich textile mill history to the stories of life in the mill villages. Learn what makes West Hillsborough unique with our inaugural tours.
Churton Street Interpreters (throughout Churton Street)
Stroll along Churton Street and encounter our engaging costumed interpreters, ready to transport you through time with tales of the evolving history of the buildings. From colonial beginnings to modern transformations, these guides offer captivating narratives of historic downtown’s journey through the ages, providing a unique glimpse into the dynamic past of Hillsborough’s iconic thoroughfare.
Orange County Public Library – 137 W Margaret Lane
Explore Orange County’s collection of genealogical records, locally published books, and the archives of the News of Orange. Delve into the past using resources such as models, maps, and photographs, and enjoy complimentary access to Ancestry.com and convenient microfilm readers, making it the perfect destination for tracing your family tree or delving into the community’s heritage.
Orange County History Museum – 201 N Churton
Explore Orange County’s rich history at the Orange County Historical Museum, featuring captivating exhibits and a special look into the museum’s collections. Discover how items are selected to interpret local history and uncover rarely displayed artifacts for a unique glimpse into the community’s past.
Hughes Academy – 200 E King
Step back in time at the Hughes Academy, a 19th-century schoolhouse founded by Samuel Wellwood Hughes, to partake in activities for families like historical Jenga. History enthusiasts can also explore little-known sites such as the Cameron family ice house and the ruins of James Hogg’s first Hillsborough home, where the North Carolina chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati was founded.
Occaneechi Replica Village – 144 E Margaret Lane
Embark on a cultural journey at the Occaneechi Replica Village as local volunteers and members of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation work to meticulously maintain the site from 9-1pm. Based on archaeological findings, this recreated village authentically portrays 17th-century life among the Occaneechi people, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into their rich heritage and traditions.
Norwood-Jones Law Office – Across from the OC Court House 106 E Margaret Lane
Learn about the town’s historical legal landscape at the Norwood-Jones Law Office, constructed in the early 19th century and one of the few remaining structures near the Orange County Courthouse. Join Preservation Hillsborough in their North Carolina pottery sale hosted within the office. Proceeds will contribute to the restoration efforts of Dickerson Chapel AME Church, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.
Old Town Cemetery Tours – 201 N Churton
At 11am embark on a captivating journey through history with a guided one-hour tour of Old Town Cemetery, home to the final resting places of Hillsborough’s most prominent individuals and families. Wander among the 184 original markers bearing family names such as Richards, Graham, Berry, Phillips, and many more, gaining insights into the lives of those who shaped the town.
Ayr Mount -376 St Mary’s Rd
Experience the charm of Ayr Mount, a historic site offering the opportunity for self-guided tours of the captivating house and grounds. Dive into history with a kid-friendly archaeology dig, where young explorers can uncover the treasures of the past while enjoying an engaging hands-on experience.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
Various locations
