Historical McHorney’s Odditorium Unveiling In Currituck

From the official website: Currituck County’s very own roadside attraction is unveiling the 224 year-old Civil War plantation home, known as Historical McHorney’s Odditorium (Cabinet of Curiosities) this May 8th, 9th and 10th.  Focused on independent arts, and dedicated to the community of Currituck County, this incredible landmark is recognized by the Historical Society.  

If the walls of this former home to slaves could speak, the stories would tell of Civil War era history.  You’ll hear live bands performing on the time-period outdoor stage.  You witness first hand, the Outer Banks’ very first, authentic curiosity shop!  This cabinet of curiosities exhibits odd taxidermy, preserved specimens in jars, peculiar circus sideshow memorabilia, old artifacts and antiques and even an art gallery.

McHorney’s is located in Barco, North Carolina and named after former residents Samuel and Edmund McHorney.  The locally grown McHorney’s was better known for rescuing wounded confederate soldiers.  Having barely escaped death by hanging from the Union, the McHorney’s risked their own lives to hide and secretly nurse soldiers back to health in this very home. 

Samuel McHorney would lead soldiers back to their ships through swamps and heavy marsh lands late at night and would eventually lead up to the capture of the infamous U.S. Steamer Transport Maple Leaf as well as the successful rescue mission of confederate prisoners of war.  The Virginia Pilot actually printed this story more than 100 years ago, on February 9th, 1913. 

Historical McHorney’s Odditorium is a non-profit organization, a museum, oddity shop, art gallery, music venue, and event center.