Slave Dwelling Project, including Cabin Sleepover, at President James K. Polk State Historic Site

President James K. Polk North Carolina State Historic Site pays tribute to our 11th president and presents living history that brings the early 19th century to life. It’s always free to visit.

The historic site presents many special events, and some of them are free to attend.

Coming up, and open for registration now, is the Slave Dwelling Project on September 13th and 14th, 2019. There are three events this weekend, and all are free, although the Friday night Cabin Sleepover has extremely limited space, so please register right away.

The American South As We Know It: Documentary Screening and Discussion with Filmmaker Frederick Murphy
Friday, September 13th, 2019
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free with registration

The President James K. Polk State Historic Site and Fredrick Murphy, Founder of History Before Us and a documentary film maker, come together to kick off the weekend. The evening will feature a reception with opening remarks by Joseph McGill, founder of the Slave Dwelling Project. This will be followed by a screening of Mr. Murphy’s film, “The American South as we Know It”. Mr. Murphy will then discuss his journey in producing the film and concluding with questions from the audience.

Following the evening reception, registered guests who pre-registered for the overnight experience, will make their way out to the grounds of the Polk farm for this truly unique experience.

The Stories We Tell: Cabin Sleepover Experience
Friday, September 13th, and Saturday, September 14th, 2019
9 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday
Free, but registration is required and limited.

Mr. Joseph McGill, Founder and Executive Director of the Slave Dwelling Project, invites you for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During this intimate evening, guests will sleep in a historic log cabin at The President James K. Polk State Historic Site, birthplace of the 11th U.S. President. Here, participants will have the opportunity to share in a meaningful discussion on the life experiences of enslaved peoples, contemporary social issues and the U.S. presidency before spending their evening in a crudely constructed historic log cabin.

Following the sleepover, you will have the opportunity to reflect, write and record your story using a variety of media, including digital and video recorders and journals.

Inalienable Rights: Living History Through the Eyes of the Enslaved
Saturday, September 14th, 2019
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free with registration

Join Mr. Joseph McGill, Founder and Executive Director of the Slave Dwelling Project and first-person interpreters for a one-of-a-kind living history event.

Families are invited to encounter folks in every corner of the living history village, where interpreters will tell stories and present lectures related to the lives of enslaved Africans. In addition, interpreters will demonstrate various skills, including cooking, quilting and storytelling.