By Jasmine Dellinger, 12 years old, is a contributor to LincolnHerald.com

VALE, N.C. – This past Saturday, October 24, I had the opportunity to experience a piece of North Carolina’s history during the annual Fall Heritage Festival at Hart Square Village. With beautiful fall weather and plenty to explore, it turned out to be an enjoyable and educational day.

Hart Square Village is home to 103 historic log structures, making it the largest collection of its kind in the United States. The village was created by the late Dr. Bob Hart, who spent decades collecting and preserving historic buildings to help future generations understand what life was like centuries ago.

Walking through the village felt like traveling back in time. I watched blacksmiths demonstrate their skills and had the opportunity to see an old Chandler & Price printing press. As someone growing up in a world filled with modern technology, it was fascinating to see how people accomplished everyday tasks without the conveniences we have today.

One of the most interesting parts of my visit was discovering just how much my dad knew about the printing industry. When we approached the Chandler & Price printing press, he immediately recognized what kind of press it was. He explained the type of ink it used, how the individual pieces of metal type were arranged and how the press transferred the ink onto paper.

I was amazed at how much he knew about something that was invented long before I was born. What made the experience even more special was that I actually got to print something on the press with my dad. It was exciting to see how printing was done before modern technology and to share that experience with him.

One of my other favorite parts was tasting pumpkin soup, cornbread cooked over an open fire and some really good apple cider. I also watched broom makers demonstrate how ordinary household items were created by hand.

Throughout the village, historic cabins and demonstrations offered a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. It was interesting to see the amount of patience, creativity and hard work required to accomplish things we often take for granted.

What made Hart Square special to me was that history wasn't something I was simply reading about in a textbook. I could actually see it, experience it and gain a better appreciation for the people who came before us.

I left Hart Square with wonderful memories and a greater understanding of North Carolina's past. It was a beautiful day filled with history, learning and experiences I won't soon forget.

Jasmine Dellinger, 12 years old, is a contributor to LincolnHerald.com.

Photos By: Jasmine Dellinger