About the Site:
The President James K. Polk State Historic Site is located on land once owned by the parents of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. The Site features a visitor’s center with exhibits on the history of Mecklenburg County, social life during Polk’s lifetime, and significant events from Polk’s presidency. In addition, two historic cabins on the site are opened during tours for visitors to gain an authentic feel for what life during Polk’s formative years would have been like. Visitors may also enjoy the offerings on the grounds, including a picnic area, nature trail, cemetery, and early-20th century stone monument.
Educational Offerings:
Our school programming opportunities range from a standard tour of the cabins and museum, to STEAM-based learning, and even opportunities for live demonstration of historical skills like long-rifle firing and spinning. We welcome students of all ages and are happy to tweak our programming to match the needs of your students. In addition to on-site programming, we also offer travelling trunks with resources you can use in your classroom or we are happy to discuss in-school residency programming to suit your skills.
Primary Education Contact:
Kate Moore, Historic Interpreter III | kate.h.moore@ncdcr.gov
Additional Site Staff:
Scott Warren – Site Manager – scott.warren@ncdcr.gov
Kate Moore – Assistant Site Manager – kate.h.moore@ncdcr.gov
Adrienne Nirde – Historic Interpreter II – adrienne.nirde@ncdcr.gov
Rochelle Welsh – Historic Interpreter
polk@ncdcr.gov
http://www.jameskpolk.net
12031 Lancaster Highway, PO Box 475
Mecklenburg
704-889-7145
The President James K. Polk State Historic Site was dedicated in 1968. It consists of 21 acres that once belonged to the parents of the future 11th President of the United States, James Knox Polk. The Polk family lived on this farm from 1795 to 1806.
A field trip experience at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site consists of three stations comprising a total visit of 1.5 hours. The Presidential Beginnings experience includes a guided tour of the historic log kitchen and main house. For the third station, groups may choose between a scavenger hunt in the museum or for an additional $10 per group a long rifle demonstration.
The Historical Cooking Guild of the Catawba Valley will be in the kitchen house cooking on the open hearth the fourth Thursday of each month from March through September. The Cooking Guild will lead all school tours of the kitchen house if you choose to visit on one of their scheduled dates. If you would like to take advantage of this special bonus experience, be sure to schedule your trip in advance as the Cooking Guild’s dates fill up quickly.
This program adheres to and meets curriculum standards that are set forth by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Tours take approximately 1 ½ hours to complete. Before the scheduled visit, teachers are sent a comprehensive field trip packet. This packet includes general information about the site, rules and regulations, and pre and post visit activities. This information is also accessible on The President James K. Polk State Historic Site website (www.jameskpolk.net/field-trips.html) or as an attachment on this page.
The site can host a maximum of 3 classes at 50 students per day. Groups with more than 50 students are scheduled for multiple days.
Kyle Booker
704-889-7145
kyle.booker@ncdcr.gov
Throughout the year.
All group visits will be scheduled between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday.
The President James K. Polk State Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Highway, Pineville, NC 28134
Admission: $6.00 per child. Includes CMS, home school, and private school groups. ASC Price- $2.00 for Title I Schools or $2.50 for All Other Schools
$25.00 deposit required two weeks before trip. Deposit goes towards final field trip balance.
*NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED FOR ASC-FUNDED TRIPS*
Non-profit groups or Title I schools applicable for reduced rate; please contact staff for additional details.
3.02 – Evaluate how the lives of individuals of the past are different from what they are today.
5.04 – Analyze patterns of movement within the community.
3.05 – Identify historical figures and events associated with various cultural traditions and holidays celebrated around the world.
K.H.1.3- Explain the impact of how life events bring change (a new sibling, moving to a new house, a new job, a new school, etc.).
1.G.2.1-Explain the various ways the physical environment impacts people in different regions around the world.
1.G.2.2- Explain the various ways people impact the physical environment in different regions around the world.
2.H.1.2- Explain ways in which various historical events have shaped American history.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your group tour for any reason, please contact us at least
72 hours prior to your tour to receive a refund of your $25 deposit. Groups who cancel after this deadline will not be refunded. In addition, we will make every effort to reschedule your group.