As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Johnston County Heritage Center is helping lead the celebration locally while continuing its broader mission of preserving and sharing the stories that shaped Johnston County.
Alongside the Johnston County Museum, the Heritage Center serves as a hub for local history, genealogy, education and preservation efforts. Through exhibits, special programs, partnerships and community events, the organization works year-round to connect residents and visitors with the county’s past.
This year, much of that focus centers around America250, the nationwide multi-year commemoration of America’s founding.
America250 Events and Projects in Johnston County
The Heritage Center is coordinating and supporting a variety of events and initiatives tied to the anniversary celebration, including:
- America250 Fair — June 27
Held at Johnston Community College, the event will feature a living history encampment, fife and drum parade, cannon firing, carriage rides, puppet shows, music, drama performances, art and photography exhibits, along with food and craft vendors. - Production of “1776” — June 26–28
The Tony Award-winning musical, directed by Andrew Wade, will be presented in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium at Johnston Community College. - Liberty Tree Dedication — June 25
A commemorative America250 Liberty Tree has been planted at JCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks and will be formally dedicated during a public ceremony. - Historic Preservation and Education Projects
Several local initiatives funded through America250NC grants are also underway, including:- A downtown Smithfield mural honoring the Tuscarora people, who lived in the region prior to colonization.
- New historical markers in Smithfield and Meadow highlighting local Revolutionary War history.
- A forthcoming countywide historic sites guide featuring themed driving tours and walking tours through local communities.
Preserving Johnston County’s Stories
Beyond America250 programming, the Heritage Center continues to play a major role in preserving Johnston County history for future generations.
One of its most significant recent collaborations has been with the Historic Smithfield Foundation to restore Smithfield’s historic Freedmen’s Schoolhouse. Constructed in 1868-69, the two-room structure is believed to be the only remaining freedmen’s school building in North Carolina and one of only a few still standing nationwide. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for June 19, and the building will soon open for tours and meetings.
The Heritage Center also sponsors educational programming throughout the year, including:
- The annual Historical Ghost Walk each October
- Black History Month programming in February
- Book talks and community education events
- Ongoing genealogy and local history resources
Both the Heritage Center and Museum are official stops along North Carolina’s Moonshine and Motorsports Trail.
“Our mission is simple — to preserve history, tell our stories, and help people find meaningful connections with the past,” said Executive Director Todd Johnson. “We are a public-private partnership between the County of Johnston and many individuals and organizations who see the importance of our work and support us with financial gifts as well as gifts of historical materials.”
Visit the Heritage Center and Museum
The Heritage Center is located in the historic First Citizens Bank building at 241 E. Market Street in Smithfield and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Johnston County Museum, located at 329 E. Market Street, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to both facilities is free.
