Past Meets Present Preservation Tour

Join the Past Meets Present Preservation Tour for an exclusive glimpse into the hidden facets of Hillsborough's notable landmarks. This tour offers access to five stops, unveiling rarely seen spaces and providing unique insights into the preservation efforts of these iconic sites. Tickets can be purchased here.

What to Expect

The Preservation Tour is self-paced, with docents stationed at each location. Participants must check in and receive the appropriate wristbands for entry. The tour consists of five locations: Hogg House, Dickson House, Masonic Lodge, Dickerson Chapel, and the Coachman's Quarters. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to purchase a limited-access pass to the Eno Cotton Mill.

Timing

The Preservation Tour locations will open at 10:30 am and be available until 3 pm. As a self-paced tour, attendees are encouraged to map their schedules accordingly.

Check-In

All attendees must check in at the Dickson House (Hillsborough Visitor Center) before visiting the tour locations. A designated welcome table will be positioned near the front porch or inside the Dickson House, where attendees can pick up their programs and wristbands. Check-in at the Dickson House will begin at 10 am on Saturday, May 18th; however, early pick-up will be available from 10 am to 4 pm beginning Thursday, May 16th. For questions or concerns regarding check-in, please email Ben@historichillsborough.org.

Parking

There is ample free parking throughout downtown Hillsborough. All locations, except the Eno Cotton Mill, are accessible by sidewalk. For those wishing to park closer to each site, please see the details below.

1. The Eno Cotton Mill parking is located directly in front of the Eno Cotton Mill offices.
2. The Coachman's Quarters is best accessed by walking from the free public lot off Cameron Street. If needed, a drop-off circle is available closer to the Coachman's Quarters. A map with details will be included in the check-in packet.
3. Dickerson Chapel provides limited parking in the grassy areas near the chapel doors and on the street.
4. Masonic Lodge is best accessed by the free public lot off King Street (behind Cup-A-Joe); however, they also offer limited street parking.
5. Hogg House offers onsite parking, but we encourage those who can walk from the free public lot off Cameron to do so.
6. Dickson House has free street parking available on all three sides of the building and accessible walkways throughout.

Additional Sites to See

While in town, we invite you to explore additional sites and planned activities for the day.

-Excursion Day: Experience Hillsborough, the small town with big history, through a day of FREE activities at our local sites! You can view more details on the event page.

-The Burwell School Historic Site: Free tours from 11 am until 4 pm

-The Occaneechi Replica Village: Explore the sacred grounds and learn more about the indigenous peoples who first called Hillsborough home.

-The Occoneechee Speedway: Calling all NASCAR fans! The historic Occaneechee Speedway is a must-do for all history buffs or outdoor enthusiasts. Hike your way into the history dirt trail that sported the likes of Louise Smith, Richard Petty, and Fireball Roberts.

-Hike Occoneechee Mountain: The highest point in Orange County is located in Hillsborough. Stroll the 3 miles of trails or brave the service entry to the overlook; whichever path you take, the views are worth it.

-Dine and Shop in Historic Hillsborough: From Churton & King to the west end, Hillsborough's shopping and dining will keep you busy. From locally owned art galleries to carefully curated dishes, we encourage you to explore all it offers.

Plan more about why you are here with Visit Hillsborough's itineraries and guides.