For Teachers and Students

We encourage teachers in our local schools and homeschool parents to use the resources of the Heritage Center and other libraries and museums to teach students about the fascinating history in their own backyards.

 

Onsite Research

We welcome students doing research on genealogy or on specific topics related to local history. Our Reading Room staff on the Third Floor are always ready to assist individuals and small groups in exploring our rich history!

Field Trips

Downtown Smithfield is a fun and engaging field trip destination. Students can tour the Heritage Center's exhibits and complete a scavenger hunt. They can take one of several guided Historical Walking Tours to learn about architectural styles, Civil War history, or Smithfield history. They can tour the Johnston County Courthouse and learn about the inner workings of county government.  

Speakers in the Classroom

The Heritage Center can help with referrals of individuals to bring history into the classroom.

 

Contact Heritage Center Director Todd Johnson at 919-938-4708 or via email at todd.johnson@johnstonnc.com to take advantage of these unique educational opportunities.  

 

 

Dr. Ossie Fields, a retired School Superintendent and former member of the Johnston County Heritage Commission, is shown above with his historical "laptop" device educating students about one and two-room schools in Johnston County over a century ago. Also shown is the Heritage Center's elevator entrance (formerly a bank vault), which young visitors sometimes mistake as a time machine.