Opening Weekend at West Point

Join the folks at West Point on the Eno Park as they open their historic buildings — including the West Point Mill — for the 2018 Season.

To celebrate, they will be grinding in the Mill, leading behind the scenes tours, and have hands-on activities for all ages. They will also have music and historic trades, colonial cooking, fishing demonstrations...and so much more!

Free, drop-in event. Rain or shine!

1:15 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Milling Around at West Point
Take a behind the scenes tour of the West Point Mill with our Head Miller, Kent McCoury.

2 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Milling Demonstrations
Watch our millers work the Meadow’s Mill to grind grain. Be sure to purchase a bag of their fresh grits, corn meal, and whole wheat flour (cash or check only).

2 p.m.
Tour: Through Hugh’s View
Hugh Mangum photographed West Point for 30 years. See the park though his view finder while on this 45-minute guided tour with the park’s manager.

2:30 p.m.
The Ground Beneath You
The area’s geology has shaped West Point’s history. Learn more on a 1-hour hike along the South River Trail.

2:30 p.m., 3 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
19th Century Fishing
Learn how to fish with a drop-line and cane pole. We’ll provide the bait and tackle.

3:30 p.m.
Presley J. Mangum’s Craft
Join Wayne Poole on a short guided tour of Presley J. Mangum’s functional and stylish furniture.

DEMONSTRATIONS & ACTIVITIES
American Indian Weapons
John Blackfeather (Occaneechi-Saponi) is demonstrating weapons of the American Indians.
Located in the field southeast of the McCown-Mangum House.

Dream Catchers
Learn about and make a true spider web dream catcher with Patrick Stewart (Sappony).
Located in the meadow south of the McCown-Mangum House.

Cooking Demonstration
How did folks cook in the 17th or 18th century? Come learn and taste with Braxton Overby!
Located near the McCown-Mangum House.

Tobacco in North Durham
Visit with Duke Homestead State Historic Site to learn more about the Dukes and tobacco in Durham.
Located at the Tobacco Barn.

Broom Straw Brooms
Make a broom straw broom and watch a woodworking demonstration with Wayne Poole.
Located at the Photography Museum from 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Photography Exhibit
View the photographic works of Riverside High School’s senior photography class.
Located in the Photography Museum.

Our Community Garden
Our garden is run by Plant-A-Row volunteers and the bounty is donated to food pantries. Learn how they fight hunger in Durham.
Located in the Garden behind the McCown-Mangum House.

Hugh Mangum, The Artist
Watch watercolorist, Marie Crock, paint while drawing inspiration from Hugh Mangum’s early art.
Located in front of the McCown-Mangum House.

Beekeeping, Then and Now
The Durham County Beekeepers Association is talking about beekeeping. Stop by to learn and sample some West Point honey.
Located at the Beehives behind the McCown-Mangum House.

Hands-On Crafts
We’ll be making 18th and 19th century dolls, home essentials, and butter. Try your hand at each one!
Located in Shelter #1.

Folk Music Performance
Enjoy traditional music of Piedmont North Carolina, performed by Little Windows.
Located near Shelter #1 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Historic Games
How did our 18th and early 19th century forbearers play? Join in some no-tech fun.
Located in the open field northeast of the McCown-Mangum House.

Coal Forge Blacksmithing with Nicolas Creek Forge
In our mill’s heyday, the West Point community was home to a permanent blacksmith.
Located at the Blacksmith Shop.

Durham Parks Foundation
Meet the folks who advocate for our parks. Come learn what they are up to and how you can join their efforts.
Located outside the West Point Mill.

Candid Critters with Eno River Association
Check out Eno River Association’s mammal inventory and learn how to identify skulls, scat, fur, and tracks.
Located in the meadow north of Shelter #1.

Your Back Story
What does your genealogy say about who you are and where you are from? Meet professional genealogists.
Located in the meadow north of Shelter #1.


For more information, email Cassandra.Bennett@durhamnc.gov