Welcome to the Burwell School Historic Site

The Burwell School is a historic house museum located in Hillsborough, NC that preserves and interprets the history of its antebellum and Civil War era residents. The Burwell School Historic Site offers free docent-led and self-guided tours, a variety of cultural events, and engaging and innovative heritage education programs for children and young adults. Learn more about free tours of the school.

Purchase a copy of The Book of Burwell Students or visit the Students section of our website to find out more about the Students of the Burwell School.

The Burwell School Historic Site is a privately owned not for profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (a 501(c)3). All of our funding comes from grants and donations from private donors or corporate sponsors. If you would like to support our mission, please donate securely through PayPal. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your generous and continued support!

Visit the Burwell School in 2013

The Burwell School is open Wed.-Sat. 11am-4pm, and Sun. 1-4pm for free docent led tours. Educational programming, special events, site rentals, and more are available per request.

Here is What is Happening at the Burwell School

Last Fridays: Blues on the Burwell Lawn
Friday May 31, 2013, 6:00pm

The Burwell School Historic Site and Music Maker Relief Foundation bring you Blues at Burwell summer concert series during Hillsborough Arts Council's Last Fridays events. Join us for these can’t miss performances May 31, June 28, July 26 and August 30. We’ll kick off the summer series with Ironing Board Sam on Friday May 31 at 6pm. Join us on the front lawn of the Burwell School to enjoy an evening of classic blues and R&B tunes! Please bring your own seating, blankets, and dancing shoes. We will supply the punch! No alcoholic beverages are permitted at this event. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 919.732.7451.

Elizabeth Keckly lecture at Dickerson Chapel AME Church
Saturday June 1, 2013, 1:00pm

On Saturday June 1, 2013 at 1pm, Burwell School Historic Site Executive Director Rebecca Ryan will present a lecture on Elizabeth Keckly at Dickerson Chapel AME Church, 100 E. Queen St., Hillsborough, NC. Ryan explores Keckly’s extraordinary journey from enslavement in Hillsborough through her time in the Lincoln White House as confidante and dressmaker of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information please call 919.732.7451

The Homefront in Hillsborough: Civil War Living History Event
Saturday June 8, 2013, 10:00-4:00pm

On Saturday June 8, 2013, the Burwell School Historic Site will partner with the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough and the Orange Community Players to host The Homefront in Hillsborough: Civil War Living History Event. The Burwell School Historic Site will offer 30 minute guided tours of the Burwell residence on the hour from 10:00am-4:00pm. This family friendly event will provide visitors with a glimpse into the lives of the Collins family of Somerset Place, NC who fled to the Burwell property as refugees in November 1862. Guests will learn about the life of the Collins family as they watch a wedding in the formal parlor, listen to family members speculate on the War’s outcome, and convalesce with ill family members receiving treatments in the upstairs bedroom.

In between guided tours, enjoy complimentary refreshments on the front lawn and mingle with costumed reenactors, watch cooking and firing demonstrations, and learn how to play 19th century children’s games. Admission is $7 for adults (18+), $2 for children (10-17) and free for children under 10. Seating is limited to 25 people per tour, so advance reservations are recommended. To make reservations please call 919.732.7741

Produced and filmed by our friend, Ernest Dollar.

A special thanks to all who have supported and continue to support the Burwell School Historic Site. We truly appreciate your generosity. Our mission could not be completed without you!

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