HEARTS Samhain: Living History Day '26

Discover the Ancient Roots of Halloween at "Samhain at the Store"

The Historic Hugh Torance House and Store invites families, neighbors, and history enthusiasts to step back in time for "Samhain at the Store," a free living history afternoon taking place on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Built circa 1779, the Hugh Torance House and Store stands as North Carolina’s oldest standing store. During the late 18th century, Hugh Torance, along with thousands of Scots-Irish immigrants, settled extensively across the Catawba Valley, bringing rich traditions in quilting, pottery, whiskey distilling, and music. They also introduced harvest folklore and the ancient Celtic roots of Halloween and the jack-o'-lantern, laying the foundation for modern Halloween celebrations. "Samhain at the Store" connects this local Scots-Irish history to its ancient roots for a fun, engaging, and informal afternoon designed for all ages.

Guests are invited to roam freely and explore the historic home and stroll along the site's new StoryWalk, an interactive outdoor experience highlighting the site’s HEARTS, an ongoing community initiative connecting History, Ecology, Arts, Reunion, Trails, and the Store.

Stepping back in time before Halloween as we know it, the event shares Samhain (pronounced sow-win), the ancient Celtic harvest festival held on the cross-quarter day between autumn and winter, traditions brought over by the Scots-Irish, many of which have evolved into modern Halloween traditions. Celts recognized this time as a sacred threshold when the barrier between spirits and the physical world was thinnest, allowing the spirits to cross over freely.   

Attendees of all ages are invited to come dressed in costume, a festive nod to the historic tradition of wearing disguises to blend in with spirit visitors. Enjoy traditional lawn and folk games; origin stories behind modern Halloween traditions by the cauldron; and the best of local history, nature, and more at the Hugh Torance House and Store.

In addition to the event activities, the Store offers a wide variety of artisan crafts, jewelry, books, gifts, local honey, treats, and beverages available for purchase.

• Sunday, October 25th, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Historic Hugh Torance House and Store, 8231 Gilead Road, Huntersville, NC
• Free and open to the public (All ages welcome)