Talk of the Town: Spencer’s History
SPENCER — The Town of Spencer will hold the next “Talk of the Town” (TOTT) program on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. This program is an “a la carte” version of a citizens academy for our community. Simply put, citizens academies are educational programs conducted by local governments to create better informed and engaged citizens.
This month’s program will feature local railroad enthusiast, historian, educator, and pastor Lucas Safrit. Safrit is a Rowan County native and nearly lifelong volunteer at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. He is currently the pastor at Christiana Lutheran Church near Granite Quarry, and often assists the NCTM with historical research and tours. He will present on Spencer’s early history, highlighting the history of the Spencer Shops and the community that was built around it.
While new to Spencer, this concept appears in communities across North Carolina. The North Carolina City/County Management Association (NCCCMA), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Government (SOG), and other entities have researched best practices and offered guidance to communities who provide or would like to start an academy. This includes a website and published handbook from UNC faculty member Rick Morse and his contributors and colleagues.
Previous programs in 2025 were held in February and April, with the final session for 2025 planned for Wednesday, November 19. If you would like to attend Talk of the Town on September 16, please fill out this form so we can better prepare for the program.
Town’s Contact Information:
Name: Anna Ward
Title: Town Clerk
Address: 460 South Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159
Phone: 704-633-2231
Email: award@spencernc.gov