Tobacco Farm Life Museum

08/15/2026

Join us from 10am-2pm today for Sewing Saturday! Enjoy the air conditioning and explore the fundamentals of hand stitching, then give it a try yourself!

08/13/2026

Our staff attended the opening of the 137th Wilson to***co market this morning and witnessed the fast-paced art of auctioneering. When the Wilson markets opened in 1890, auctioneers sold 1,508,109 pounds of to***co. By 1933, auctioneers sold 70,552,142 pounds in three months! These markets sustained Wilson's economy and created a lasting impact for the state of North Carolina.

Do you have any memories of the auctions?

08/08/2026

We’ve got an update to share!

Many of you have been asking about our outbuildings — thank you for your patience and curiosity!

We're currently in the design and planning phase for major repairs and renovations, thanks to state funds we received last year. This phase takes time because we’re working closely with engineers and specialists to make sure every building gets the attention, safety upgrades, and care it needs. The museum remains open during this process.

We’re excited for what’s ahead. And while we don’t have a reopening date just yet, we are moving forward. We’ll keep sharing updates as the project progresses, and we appreciate your support as we work to bring these spaces back better than ever.

Stay tuned. Good things are happening behind the scenes! The museum is still open Tuesday to Saturday, 10-5. We can't wait to see you soon!

08/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in our "Curiosity Cured: Science in the Summer" programs over the past few months! We designed automobiles, transferred energy, strung to***co, and explored the many uses of simple machines on a farm. Follow along with us for the rest of the year of other educational programming and events, we can't wait to see you again!

07/31/2026

It's almost here! Join the To***co Farm Life Museum tomorrow, August 1, the FREE August Curiosity Cured: Science in the Summer program! Join staff and skilled tradespeople as we explore simple machines and historic trades from 10:00-2:00. Learn about levers, pulleys, wedges, leatherworking, blacksmithing, woodworking, and more!

07/30/2026

There's still time to see the NC African American Heritage Commission's traveling exhibit "Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina" at the To***co Farm Life Museum! Now through the end of the day Saturday, we invite you to explore the panels, read through reproduction Green Books, and engage in the shared history of North Carolina.

07/26/2026

We are one week out from the August Curiosity Cured: Science in the Summer program! Join the To***co Farm Life Museum next Saturday from 10-2 to explore simple machines and how historic tradespeople used those machines to do their work. From blacksmithing to tailoring, simple machines like levers, pulleys, and wedges made work easier. Come join us for this free program to learn how!

📸 Linemen create a lever using branches to move an electrical pole for the Carolina Light and Power Company, 1955. Courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.

07/24/2026

On behalf of the To***co Farm Life Museum, we would like to thank Dr. Sorin, the NC African American Heritage Commission (NCAAHC), and all of the participants who joined us virtually for the “Porch Talks” program yesterday!

NCAAHC’s exhibit “Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina” is on display through next weekend in the To***co Farm Life Museum’s gallery. We invite everyone to explore this power exhibit on community, autonomy, and travel. To learn even more about the project, check out NCAAHC’s website at https://aahc.nc.gov/green-book-project!

07/22/2026

We are excited to partner with the NC African American Heritage Commission for this program tomorrow! Registration is still open, join us virtually tomorrow at noon!

To honor the 90th anniversary of the Green Book's publication, join the To***co Farm Life Museum and the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission for a virtual program this Thursday, July 23rd at 12pm. NCAAHC Associate Director, Natalie Rodriguez will be in conversation with Dr. Gretchin Sorin and her book, "Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights." The program is free, registration is required. You can register at to***cofarmlifemuseum.nc.gov/events.

Also visit the Navigating Jim Crow: The Green Book and Oasis Spaces in North Carolina traveling exhibit at the To***co Farm Life Museum now through July 31st.

Image: Family Migration through Shawboro, NC by Jack Delano, Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

07/18/2026

Mollie Renfrow is sharing her expertise of natural dying and fiber arts out by the pack house until 2:00! Come stop by and see her!