First People Heritage Center (919)736-9412

Fund-raising has begun for construction, landscape, and administrative expenses. For this educational tourism project to become a realization,
we will need your help. No matter what the amount of your tax deductible contribution, we are very appreciative of your help.

Contributions may be sent to Grandpa's Children, Inc., 106 South George Street, Goldsboro, N. C. 27530

We are looking for enthusiastic people interested in sponsoring fund-raising benefits. The event may be as intimate as hosting a reception or dinner at your home for friends & family to organizing something on a larger scale. There is no limit to the creativity that may be used to promote something new & different or to add a new twist to a proven formula that has worked in the past.

Grandpa's Children, Inc. presented the first fund-raiser for the First People Heritage Center held at the Paramount Theatre, downtown Goldsboro, November 14, 2009. "DRUMS" concert presented 5 drum soloists/groups accompanied by dancers: American Indian host drum Southern Eagle; African American percussionist Beverly Botsford; steel drummer Mickey Mills from Trinidad; Celtic bodhran drummer/ballad singer Julee Glaub Weems; and local modern drummer Steve Strickland. The concert was followed by a "Meet the Performers" floating after-party held in 5 restored historic homes. Fabulous entertainment, wine, and food were enjoyed by all.

For more information, to contribute money or services, or to volunteer to help in any way you may
email: firstpeopleheritagecenter@earthlink.net or phone Dreamweaver or Lotus Blossom at 919-736-9412

Grandpa’s Children, Inc. was founded in 1998 by Dreamweaver as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit American Indian organization in Wayne County, NC. The promotion of Woodland Indian art, culture, and history and the training of “at-risk” youth in museum quality historic restoration of residences were primary goals.

The first restoration training project, the Daniels-Stenhouse home was completed in 2001 at 109 S. George Street, historic Goldsboro, and is now the location of Plum Tree Gardens Bed and Breakfast. In 2007 the bed and breakfast donated space to Grandpa’s Children, Inc. for the gallery which highlights Woodland Indian art and also includes work by Wayne County artists and craftsmen. Guests from throughout the United States have purchased Woodland Indian watercolors, photography, carved dough bowls, dreamcatchers, medicine bags, painted gourds, prayer feathers , and wampum jewelry as well as Wayne County pottery, baskets, jewelry, stained glass, and photography.

In 2007 Dreamweaver was recipient of the North Carolina American Indian Heritage Month award. His work was featured on posters distributed throughout the state. In 2008 Grandpa’s Children, Inc. was recipient of a grassroots grant for the gallery from the North Carolina State Arts Council through the Arts Council of Wayne County.

In January 2009 Eastern North Carolina Travel and Tourism brought Grandpa’s Children, Inc., East Carolina University School of Interior Design and Pitt Community College Architectural Technology together. The partnership embarked on creating designs for The First People Heritage Center. The resulting four building complex is an educational tourism project presenting Woodland Indian art, culture and history to be constructed in Wayne County. Located around a central dance circle, the buildings are situated within a traditional medicine wheel form and surrounded by informal gardens: medicinal herb; three sisters (corn, bean, squash) and tobacco; butterfly gardens; and an aquatic turtle pond which flows beneath one of the buildings.

Of the six participating student design teams , the Evergreen Team was awarded the best architectural design. Their sustainable buildings featured domed sod roofs with segments separated by ribbons of copper. One roof is highlighted by large copper bands, two roofs are nautilus shell forms and the fourth roof is a turtle shell form. A unique tree sculpture is the central roof support for each building.

A mecca, to accent the beauty of Woodland Indian art and culture, will contribute, not only to the economy of Indian artists and their families, but to the economy of Wayne county. The creative LEEDS gold design and model for sustainable architecture and landscaping will draw visitors from throughout North Carolina and surrounding states.

The MUSEUM will feature Woodland Indian exhibits and artifacts from the American Indian Museum in Washington D. C.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCY building will house four artists with dorm rooms and individual studios. Administrative offices and a large presentation/demonstration area will be provided for groups including school children.

The WIGWAM with a catering kitchen will be available for use by members of the community for meetings and events.

EARTH GALLERY will sell certified American Indian arts and crafts from the eastern woodland tribes.

Dreamweaver – initial medicine wheel concept, class work with design teams, programs and lectures about Woodland Indian art, culture, history and heritage center project

East Carolina University Interior Design Department and Pitt Community College Architectural Technology
6 team designs (architectural, interior, landscape designs)

For more information, to contribute money or services, or to volunteer to help in any way you may email firstpeopleheritagecenter@earthlink.net or phone Dreamweaver or Lotus Blossom at 919-736-9412

Information Pages and Hosting by:
MacConnell's Internet Solutions
(800) 387-0136