August 2018
Quilt Show at the Burwell School
The African American Quilt Circle of Durham ---------- Honoring Elizabeth Keckly and the tradition of quiltmaking ---------- The African American Quilt Circle of Durham is a joyful and dedicated group whose members demonstrate their individuality through the tradition of quilt making. Each quilt is a story, a work of art, and an expression of love. These vivid quilts delight visitors wherever they are displayed. The quilts will be on display at the Burwell School from September 16 through September…
Find out more »History Tea
Join The Burwell School Historic Site for a delicious afternoon tea in a beautiful historic setting followed by NC Revolutionary War history from writer Suzanne Adair, author of the Michael Stoddard mysteries. Enjoy your choice of a premium black or herbal tea, or iced tea if you prefer, plus homemade sweets and savories. All proceeds support the preservation of the Burwell School Historic Site.
Find out more »September 2018
Elizabeth Keckly Bicentennial Year: Quilts – Art & Artistry of the African American Quilting Circle of Durham
Opening reception for this exhibit In honor of Elizabeth Keckly's magnificent quilt at Kent State University, Ohio.
Find out more »October 2018
“Behind the Scenes” theatre at Burwell School Historic Site
A unique and compelling theater experience at the Burwell School Historic Site. What if Elizabeth Keckly -- former slave and now a free and independent dressmaker, activist and author, had returned to Hillsborough to visit her former mistress, Anna Burwell? In this play by Maureen Quilligan and Michael Malone, this imagined visit and conversation take in various locations inside and outside of the house, with the audience following the action -- and the women's younger selves appear, too. Performances…
Find out more »November 2018
Elizabeth Keckly Bicentennial Series: Elizabeth Keckly Symposium
Keynote Address: Dr. Jennifer Fleischner, Keckly biographer & author of Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly Also featuring Dr. William Andrews, Dr. Sylvia Hoffert, Dr. Brooks Graebner, and other scholars and writers. Panel Discussions Location/registration to be announced Boxed lunch included in registration fee to be announced.
Find out more »Elizabeth Keckly Bicentennial Series: “Pop-Up Museum” for Young Historians
Featuring Dr. Jennifer Fleischner of Adelphi University Admission is free but preregistration advised. Registration opens September 15
Find out more »Gingerbread House Exhibit
Come see the marvelous gingerbread creations and place your vote for "People's Choice" winners at the Burwell School. Entries will be displayed Wed-Sat 11am-4pm and Sun 1-4pm until December 21st. Free.
Find out more »February 2019
Valentines Tea for Kids (family)
Due to popular demand we are proud to present a family oriented Afternoon Tea to celebrate Valentines Day with your family and friends. Menu and more information to follow! Save the Date and email Ronda@burwellschool.org for reservations. Seating Limited. Seatings for 2-8 ppl. $15 ages 12 & under $20 "Friends of Burwell" all others $25 per person.
Find out more »March 2019
Idol Talk: Women Writers on the Teenage Infatuations That Changed Their Lives
A Conversation with authors Jill McCorkle and Marjorie Hudson, Moderated by co-editor, Tamra Wilson. Join the Burwell School for an evening of wine and conversation as two favorite local authors read from their new book, Idol Talk, Women Writers on the Teenage Infatuations That Changed Their Lives. This collection of essays explores with tenderness and humor the teen crushes of the past fifty years - from Elvis to John Lennon to Diana Ross - who have influenced the choices of women,…
Find out more »May 2019
18th Annual Burwell School Spring Gala & Auction
Join us at the Burwell School for an evening of drinks, dining, and DERBY! This year's fundraiser falls on Derby Day and event goers are encouraged to wear their best derby hat and enjoy coverage of the derby from the Burwell lawn. There will a live and a silent auction of fabulous prize packages and experiences you can ONLY get at this event (such as a private brunch for 10 in the 'Evergreen' gardens of Alice & Joe Moore, catered…
Find out more »August 2019
Star Party Astronomy Event
Come scan the heavens at the very peak of the August Perseid Meteor Shower with Hillsborough's own astronomer, Jerry Vinski, from a sweet spot on the Burwell School lawn! In the 19th century Reverend Robert Burwell occasionally led his students up Occoneechee Mountain to observe the heavens. Imagine the night sky with no electric lights to diminish the brightness of the stars! We can’t offer you that experience — but right on the Burwell Lawn, Jerry will pass out…
Find out more »September 2019
Taste of Italy with Author Frances Mayes (SOLD OUT)
Come spend an afternoon with Hillsborough’s own Frances Mayes (author of the worldwide bestseller UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN) to hear all about Frances’ and her husband Ed’s adventures to find undiscovered places in Italy - now the subject of Frances’s latest book, SEE YOU AT THE PIAZZA (Crown). We'll be sampling some of their favorite recipes along with some distinctive wines you probably haven't seen before! If you love Italy and Frances’ books, you can’t miss this terrific event! …
Find out more »October 2019
Outlandish Revolution Open House
Celebrate Hillsborough's Revolutionary and Colonial history at the Burwell School with an afternoon of exhibits (on loan from the Orange County Historical Museum), costumes, harp music, weaving demonstrations, and kid's games and crafts. Munch on an heirloom NC apple or a bit o' shortbread and celebrate fall's bounty. This lead-in event will give you a taste of the fun and color of the Outlandish Hillsborough weekend, October 11 - 13, at historic Ayr Mount in Hillsborough and cosponsored by the…
Find out more »November 2019
“Impolite Conversations” with Artist John Beerman
John Beerman, artist, teacher and observer, joins artist Jimmy Holcomb for the first in a series of conversations Holcomb with have with makers and creators in Hillsborough. Enjoy a wide-ranging exploration of John's perspectives on his art and his teaching -- and the life forces he perceives in his work.
Find out more »Impolite Conversations — with John Beerman
Join The Burwell School for episode 2 in a series of lively conversations with creators and makers, led by artist Jimmy Holcolm. This time he's interviewing nationally-known artist john Beerman, who is also a teacher, a thinker and a generous spirit. Join us for this free event, November 2 at 3 pm. Registration is appreciated -- click here to let us know you're coming.
Find out more »January 2020
Emerging Diverse Voices in Orange County
What is on the minds of our young, gifted, diverse community writers? Join us to hear student poets & writers Jamira, Gulinky, and Arul as they share their compelling, original performance poetry on young lives in our contemporary culture. This event also features two of their talented teachers, poet/singer-songwriter Areale Smith and performance poet Eric Zeigler. This event will move you; light refreshments will be served. Email emergeyall@gmail.com for more information!
Find out more »March 2020
The Future is Female – and so was the Past! *CANCELLED*
Laura Micham, Merle Hoffman Director of the Sally Bingham Center for Women's History & Culture at Duke University, will speak at the Burwell School Historic Site on "The Future is Female, and So Was the Past." This is free admission and is part of a series honoring 'the Year of the Woman'.
Find out more »May 2020
Emerging Diverse Voices in Orange County
This powerful series continues with two original and moving artists! Lynn Swisher Spears is a regional treasure, beloved as a member of the band Fair to Middlin', as well as a solo singer-songwriter. Her musicianship and writing captivate audiences. Jodi James joins us from Fayetteville; she is a survivor of Black childhood in America, with an empathetic voice of action. Jodi is an empowering and necessary voice. Mark your calendars now; we had a full house last time and cannot…
Find out more »August 2020
Getting to Know the Burwells, A Panel Discussion
Please join us online for a panel discussion on the life and times of the Burwell Family. Following the release of our three short videos on Robert, Anna and their children, we will discuss their creation with writer Carrie Currie, then explore additional aspects of the Burwells with panelists Brooks Graebner, Sylvia Hoffert and Steve Peck. These Burwell historians will discuss the making of the videos, what it meant to be a 19th century Presbyterian minister & minister’s wife, and…
Find out more »September 2020
Impolite Conversations with Jimmy Holcomb and Stephanie Trueblood
Registration link and more information to come. In the latest program in his Impolite Conversations series with creative people, host Jimmy Holcomb interviews city planner Stephanie Trueblood, a native who has probably done more to design and preserve Hillsborough's historic look and its real-town livability than anyone else. She is currently the Public Space Manager in town.
Find out more »Sticks and Stones: British Women Fight for the Vote
Dr. Sylvia Hoffert, former professor of history and women's studies at UNC Chapel Hill, will speak on "Sticks and Stones: British Women Fight for the Vote." This special program at the Burwell School is free admission and is one in a series honoring the Year of the Woman and the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage.
Find out more »April 2021
Live Poetry Reading
Join us for a LIVE Poetry Reading on April 25th! Celebrate spring and poetry month with Florence Nash and Paul Jones. These two poets have a number of things in common – their wit, their ability to delight, and a direct connection to their readers and listeners that can pierce your heart. “A poem is a message in a bottle”, as Florence says. This will be an informal event open to questions and comments afterward. Additional Details: **This is an…
Find out more »June 2021
History Spotlight: 19th Century Clothing – What they Wore and Why
Join the Burwell School Historic Site on Saturday, June 5th (rain date June 12th) as we explore multiple aspects of 19th-century clothing: from children to adults, enslaved to free, and learn what they wore and why. This is a drop-in event from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., with indoor and outdoor stations highlighting clothing, accessories, and more from our collection. This is a free event, and registration is not required. Donations are always appreciated. Covid protocols will be observed, and masks…
Find out more »July 2021
Heirloom Tomato Picnic & Tasting
The Heirloom Tomato Picnic & Tasting will take place on the lawn of the Burwell School from 12 pm-3 pm July 24th. This is a free event, open to the public. Taste a bounty of tomato varieties, talk with growers and take home seeds of your favorites. Relax on the lawn while the DJ plays summer tunes. Eat and drink everything tomato, from Colonial Inn Bloody Marys to gazpacho and BLTS and tomato pie, in your picnic lunch. Tomato Pie Contest…
Find out more »September 2021
Impolite Conversations with Jimmy Holcomb
Impolite Conversations with Jimmy Holcomb - Save the date for the newest installment in Jimmy Holcomb's Impolite Conversations series with creative people, which will feature a special interview with a guest. More details to come! Visit the Burwell School's website to learn more: burwellschool.org
Find out more »October 2021
Registering History: A Burwell Celebration
Registering History: The Unveiling of our National Historic Register Plaque. Meet us at the front door! Hear a little about the Burwell, the importance of being on the registry, and join us for a short tour through the Burwell. We also invite you to attend a small Party on the Porch to celebrate this moment in history. Lastly, you’ll receive a card detailing our 2022 events commemorating the Bicentennial of the Burwell Site: From Private Home to Public Site 1822…
Find out more »February 2022
Builders of Burwell, Hillsborough, and Orange County
Steve Peck, innovative organizer of the bicentennial celebration of this building, will present research to show how nineteenth-century Orange County architect and builder John Berry established a community of skilled craftsmen. Charles Woods, a meticulous Hillsborough builder, honors those who taught the building skills through generations. Andy Whitted brings the legendary Whitted family of plasterers through two centuries of skill and stories. An event with special emphasis on African American craftsmen and Artisan. *This program is both in-person and…
Find out more »April 2022
Burwell’s Poetry Day
Celebrate all things poetry with live performances from local artists and youth poets! The Burwell School Historic Site welcomes the artistic talents of Gary Phillips, Dee Stribling William Davis "Endless Will," and Kim Lane. Also joining us are youth poets Nadia Clayton, Tyree Daye, and Tyra Daye. **Space is limited - Registration is FREE!
Find out more »May 2022
Preserving History Workshop: Brickwork Restoration
Perserving History Workshop is part of the Burwell School's Bicentennial Celebration Series. See below for additional programs.
Find out more »Insights Into Historic Preservation: Burwell Site and Ayr Mount
Insights into Historic Preservation is part of the Burwell School's Bicentennial Celebration series. See below for additional programs.
Find out more »July 2022
The Journey from Somerset to Hillsborough
Explore the lives of the family who made the Burwell house and Hillsborough their home during the Civil War. Speakers from SOmerset Place State Historic Site. This program is part of the Burwell School's Bicentennial Celebration series. See below for previous and upcoming programs.
Find out more »Burwell Tomato Picnic & Tasting Party 2022
Bring the family and celebrate summer and its glorious tomato harvest! The Tomato Picnic & Tasting will take place on the lawn of the Burwell School from 11 am to 2 pm on July 23rd. This is a free event, open to the public. Taste a bounty of tomato varieties and take home seeds of your favorites. Relax on the lawn while the DJ Scoville plays summer tunes. Eat and drink everything tomato, from Saratoga Bloody Marys to gazpacho and…
Find out more »September 2022
Burwell House Party
We invite you to attend the final event of our Bicentennial Year, a 200th Birthday Party of the house on the property at 319 N. Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278. On Saturday, Sept. 17 at 2:00 pm. (Rain date is September 24), guests can visit the site to celebrate with balloons, ice cream (for purchase), cupcakes, party hats and a sprinkling of history with 19th century games, videos on the preservation of the site and exhibits about former residents. Party…
Find out more »December 2022
Holiday Open House at the Burwell
Join us for a Victorian-Style Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 11th from 2 to 4. Help us celebrate the season with good food and fellowship, along with a visit from Santa! Registration is FREE via Eventbrite!
Find out more »