Experience Living Agricultural History at the "Granville Gold: Mock Tobacco Auction" on September 27 in Oxford, North Carolina

OXFORD, N.C., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Granville County Historical Society & Museum invites the public to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and vibrant history of North Carolina's agricultural heartland at "Granville Gold: Mock Tobacco Auction." This special farm heritage and community celebration takes place on Sunday, September 27th, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the historic Oxford Tobacco Research Station, located at 300 Providence Road in Oxford.

Serving as both an educational community gathering and a vital fundraiser for the Granville County Historical Society & Museum, "Granville Gold" honors the rich legacy of flue-cured tobacco farming—a culture that defined community life, commerce, and family traditions in Granville County for generations. The event offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic agricultural history, whether for nostalgic connection, family gathering, or first-time discovery.

The centerpiece of the afternoon will take place inside the historic Oxford Tobacco Research Station pack house. Every hour on the hour, attendees can witness an authentic, 15-minute mock tobacco auctions conducted over twelve (12) piles of tobacco leaf. The high-energy auctioneer's chant and the traditional leaf grading process will recreate the electric atmosphere that once filled local warehouse floors every autumn across the many Golden Leaf tobacco belts.

Last year's inaugural event drew about four times what organizers originally thought. After its successful conclusion museum officials vowed to increase the offerings of the event.

Distinguished guest speakers for the event include North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler, tobacco historian/author Billy Yeargin, and MOC Mark Pace. In addition to inspiring remarks from agricultural leadership, the pack house will host Granville County Historical Society exhibits detailing the region's deep farming roots and historic artifacts.

Outside across the research station campus, local businesses, civic organizations, and historical groups will be tented outdoors to share history, educational displays, and community initiatives. Food trucks will be on site throughout the afternoon offering a variety of food and drinks. At 3:30 PM, excitement shifts outdoors near the vendor tents for a live auction of two vintage tractors, offering collectors and farm machinery enthusiasts a chance to bid on iconic pieces of agricultural history.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Next Door Radio will provide music throughout the event and collaborate on site to conduct live oral histories, capturing first-hand memories and reflections from local farming families to preserve for future generations.

"Granville Gold is more than a look back at history—it is a celebration of the people, hard work, and both farming and life traditions that built our community," said organizers. "The Oxford Tobacco Research Station provides the perfect, authentic backdrop to connect multi-generational farm families with young people and newcomers who want to understand the true roots of Granville County."

Donations support the ongoing educational programs and preservation efforts of the Granville County Historical Society & Museum. Official event programs detailing final schedules will be available upon arrival. Abundant parking is available on site in designated grass fields, with handicap parking in the main research station lot.

For more information about "Granville Gold: Mock Tobacco Auction" or to support the Granville County Historical Society & Museum, please visit www.granvillehistory.org or call (919) 693-9701.

CONTACT:  Brittnee Worthy, Executive Director, 919-693-9706, [email protected] 

Billy Yeargin, Adjunct Professor Tobacco, Duke University & Tobacco Author (919) 7714, [email protected] 

Frank Timberlake, R F Timberlake & Company (919) 269-4300 OF or (919) 805-0055 CELL, [email protected] 

SOURCE The Granville County Historical Society & Museum