Mecklenburg County 250th Anniversary
The MHA is sponsoring or co-sponsoring many activities related to the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in 2025 and the birth of the United States of America in 2026. We will report here on progress of these activities and highlight (literally) requests for your assistance.
County 250th Celebration
To bring the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Meck Dec to residents outside Uptown, there will be two celebrations on May 17th. One is in the Mint Hill area. Stay tuned for more on this one.
The other is based at historic Hopewell Church on Beatties Ford Road (BFR) in Huntersville. Here we will start at 10:00 am with a parade down BFR starting at Tanner’s Creek subdivision and ending at Hopewell Church. (Hopewell began under a tree on the Barry property, now part of Tenner’s Creek.)
At the church steps, there will be a short 19th century-style Presbyterian service, introductions and greetings from dignitaries and, about noon, the reading of the Meck Dec. This will be followed by food, storytelling of the creation of the Meck Dec by author of “One Day Revolution”, Sarah Sue Hardinger, and music. Then we have indoor and outdoor games and activities including living history, lots of fun souvenirs, and more music.
There is no charge for the event itself, but food and some activities will require payment. Parking is in the south lot of the church or across the street as directed.
New Materials in our Store
New 250th anniversary items are in the Store now or will be soon.
Commemorative poster of Meck Dec
“Mecklenburg, First and Forever Free” – children’s book
“One Day Revolution” – the background and Signers of the Meck Dec
Battle of Charlotte
MHA and Rural Hill took on the sponsorship of this living history and battle event in 2023. It will be held at Rural Hill again in 2025 and, we expect, for many years to come. The dates in 2025 are August 30 and 31. Tickets are on sale now. If you would like to be part of the operations team, please drop a note though the Contact page on this site. Please use the 250th choice to identify your note.
*Coloring Books of Key Sites by Town
Matthews has begun this effort. Their coloring book will be available early this year. We will be selling it through this website and it will be available at several sites in Matthews. We have started work on a similar coloring book for Huntersville. If anyone is interested in heading up a similar effort in town, please drop us a note through the Contact page of this website. Please use the 250th choice to identify your note.
Partner with HEARTS on monthly programs of Cedar Grove
The parent organization of Cedar Grove, HEARTS, sponsors excellent programs most months in 2025.
Watch their website, hught.org, for future events. If you would like to help at any event or if you are in a position to financially sponsor an event, please drop a not on the Contact at that website. Events in 2025 and 2026 will focus on anniversary topics. If you would like to become a tour guide/docent, please drop a note at that website.
New book on MeckDec signers, “One Day Revolution”
This book will be available in mid-May. Our May Dinner Meeting will be the official book launch. This is a new look at the context of the Meck Dec and biographies of the Signers. It includes a new Master Map of Revolutionary era Mecklenburg County.
Other ideas
Below are other ideas for project we would like to take on. We are always looking for additional ideas. If you are interested in any of these topics or have a topic to suggest, drop us a note through the Contacts page of this website. Please use the 250th choice to identify your note.
Battle of Cowen’s Ford
Working with Preserve Mecklenburg
Working with Hopewell Church on History Room and enslaved cemetery
Publish History of Seven Sister churches and their influence on Revolutionary spirit
Restart MHA programs in North County
*Provide videos of local historic site for use in classrooms (limited field trips)
#Short documentaries
360 tours with commentary
*Directed specifically to students
#Some work in progress