At the Village Festival, the Phillips Cabin is used by David Blackwell, who demonstrates net making; and Judi Fleming, who demonstrates traditional uses of gourds. It is also the place to buy the three CD "The 1840 Carolina Village", originally a PBS three episode historical presentation, narrated by Shelby Foote. Pat Blackwell is featured on the first installment, demonstrating bobbin lace.

This building is, as is nearly every building, packed with authentic, 1800s period , furniture, tools.....anything and everything that people would have needed and used. Many of these items are now one-of-a-kind, never-before-seen artifacts that Dr. Hart has collected during his many years dedicated to creating Hart Square. Unlike typical museums, visitors are not forced to stand behind ropes and there are no 'hands-off' signs. One can actually touch objects not made in over 100 years, and rarely seen anywhere today. As much as possible, the artifacts are still used by the many expert demonstrators. Dozens of authentic mid-1800s tools, tables, chairs, and equipment are put to full use - not forever locked in a glass case. Fragile or delicate items are appropriately 'not quite readily reachable', but many artifacts benefit from being cared for and used.

Directly behind the Phillips cabin is the Hart Square Jail. David made the noose that hangs over the tree behind the jail. It is a 100% functional noose, and David has long hoped that the Catawba County sheriff would come around to dispensing some good old-time law once a year and test it out on a problem prisoner. Soft on justice, I don't think that Hart Square has seen anything more than the minor corporal punishments of flogging and pistol whippings.