Spring is almost here and for generations that has meant preparing the fields and planting crops. Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site will showcase some of the workings of a late 1870s farm on Wednesday, March 4. The site will demonstrate some of the skills taught in an 1800s classroom on Wednesday, March 11. The free family-friendly “Traveling Through Time” programs will run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $2 for each.
Costumed interpreters will demonstrate blacksmithing, preparing the field for planting with a horse-drawn plow, and visitors can feed the chickens on March 4.
On March 11, a period clad schoolmarm will lead visitors in 19th-century school activities including making copy books, participating in a spelling bee and doing mental math. Visitors also will be able to try their hand at quill and ink writing.
Volunteers and staff will lead tours of the 1870s farmstead that was Gov. Aycock’s boyhood home during both programs.
For more information contact Aycock Birthplace at aycock@ncdcr.gov or (919) 242-5581.
In 1859, Charles B. Aycock was born in this simple, rural home. After being elected governor in 1900, he dedicated his life to improving public education in North Carolina. An 1893 one-room schoolhouse moved to the historic site demonstrates Aycock’s commitment to education. This typical 19th-century family farm includes the main house, separate open-hearth kitchen, corn crib and smokehouses.
To reach the site take U.S. 117 north nine miles from Goldsboro or U.S. 117 south 14 miles from Wilson. Turn right from Goldsboro or left from Wilson onto Gov. Aycock Road. The site is 1-1.5 miles on the right. From I-95 take the 301 exit at Kenly. Take NC 222 east for 10 miles to Fremont and turn right (south) on U.S. 117. Go two miles and turn left and proceed to 264 Gov. Aycock Road. Aycock Birthplace is part of the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.