The President James K. Polk State Historic Site is home to the birthplace of the 11th President and the only Chief-of-State born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Located just a few minutes outside of Charlotte, the site sits on 21 of the original 150 acres owned by President Polk’s father, Samuel.
Our mission is to bring the life of Polk’s boyhood and Presidency alive to our visitors in a unique and engaging way.
Harvest time! Two of the crops grown were apples and pumpkins. Both played important roles in a family's survival during Polk’s time here. We will make a simple receipt of apple fritters and apple pupton. As for pumpkins, we are going to make pumpkin pie with a twist. Also, we will try our hand at...
Please join us on Saturday October 11, 9am-12pm, as we welcome Catawba artist Teresa Dunlap as she hosts an ornament making workshop using long leaf pine. Teresa Dunlap is a Catawba multi-disciplinary artist based in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She specializes in traditional Catawba pottery, basketry, and hand embroidery. Spaces for this hands-on workshop is...
Step into the 18th century as Dontavius Williams, nationally recognized historical interpreter and founder of The Chronicles of Adam, brings backcountry cooking to life at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site. Through fire, smoke, and storytelling, Williams will demonstrate how African Americans—both enslaved and free—shaped the foodways of the Carolina backcountry. Visitors will watch...
Join the Historical Hearth Cooks as they demonstrate the practice of cooking in the 1800’s backcountry. Simple meals were an important part of survival and families relied heavily on what was available to them. We will be cooking Asparagus, making macaroni and cheese, onion pie and eggs. Unfortunately tasting is not allowed however the smells...
Explore the place of death in everyday life for families like the Polks, common diseases and associated remedies, burial rites and rituals for Scots Irish settlers and enslaved African Americans.
Explore the place of death in everyday life for families like the Polks, common diseases and associated remedies, burial rites and rituals for Scots Irish settlers and enslaved African Americans.
Explore the place of death in everyday life for families like the Polks, common diseases and associated remedies, burial rites and rituals for Scots Irish settlers and enslaved African Americans.
Spring is here! Planting is about done and we are starting to enjoy the early vegetables. Let’s celebrate! The faire for the day will be Carrot pudding, lemon cream with shortbread and a buttered apple pie. After a long cold winter, treating ourselves to sweet receipts is good for the soul. Unfortunately tasting is not...
Explore the place of death in everyday life for families like the Polks, common diseases and associated remedies, burial rites and rituals for Scots Irish settlers and enslaved African Americans.
Polk Lore explores the horticultural practices of three groups of people who did not have a common background but lived in a common environment. This project interrogates how the Scots Irish, Indigenous People and Enslaved Africans comingled their knowledge from each of their unique cultural backgrounds to manipulate the natural resources for their benefit.
Let’s bike and learn about the history and nature around us. Join Friends of President Polk's Birthplace President Jim Ryder and Friends Group Secretary, Ed Davis, as they lead this scenic bike tour north from the Polk site along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. This is open to bikers of all skill levels! Please bring...
Polk Lore explores the horticultural practices of three groups of people who did not have a common background but lived in a common environment. This project interrogates how the Scots Irish, Indigenous People and Enslaved Africans comingled their knowledge from each of their unique cultural backgrounds to manipulate the natural resources for their benefit.