Posted on by jwbenning

River of Yesteryear

The date for the next River of Yesteryear is TBA
Details below are from our last River of Yesteryear event, in 2019
Park Activity Map

Take a step back into colonial times in North Carolina during this FREE living history event! Meet living history interpreters and immerse yourself in the cultural and political activities of early America. Watch Camp Flintlock as they fire a musket and cannon by the Tar River, learn how to cook as a colonist, spin wool, make a craft or play Colonial games. Historic Interpretations, Inc. will amaze you with their knowledge and demonstrations of Colonial cooking, clothing, tea, dance, games and more! The potter spins the wheel to turn pots and cups and the woodworker talks about the importance of his craft. Medicinal heirloom herbs and plants brought over on ships will be on display and discussed. Children can even enjoy a pony ride ($3 – $5)! You can have a glimpse into life in “early America” as you watch the compelling debate continue between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.

One highlight of the event is the debate between Thomas Jefferson (William Barker, noted professional actor from Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello in Virginia) and Alexander Hamilton (Wally Hurst, professor of drama/actor) on “The New Constitution” at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

For more details on these and other Colonial demonstrations / exhibits, visit our About and Info & Schedule pages.

River of Yesteryear Demonstrations

  • Quilting (Tar River Piece Makers Quilting Guild)
  • Jefferson/Hamilton Debates (1 pm & 2 pm)
  • Heritage music
  • Colonial camp stores with shopping for children and adults
  • Spinning
  • Leather work
  • Colonial Cooking
  • Pony Rides ($3 / $5)
  • Woodcrafting
  • Chair Caning
  • 18th Century Medicinal presentation
  • Weaving
  • Blacksmith
  • Colonial Herb Display
  • Sewing Bee
  • Make a Colonial Rag Doll
  • Reel Dancing
  • Colonial Clothing and Tea Talk
  • 18th Century Cannon exhibition
  • Colonial Artists
  • DAR Colonial Games & Crafts
  • Camp Flintlock 
  • Historic Interpretations
  • George Washington style tents
  • Gold panning
  • Basket weaving
  • NC Colonial food preservation
  • and more!!

A food truck will be on site.