Your Future Neighbor: Todd Johnson

Jun 2
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Every community has a story—and the places that endure are the ones that understand, preserve, and build from that foundation.

In Smithfield, that work is not just about looking back. It’s about ensuring that as the town grows, it stays connected to the people, places, and history that define it.

In March, Todd Johnson was honored as a North Carolina Main Street Champion—a recognition of the lasting impact he continues to have on Downtown Smithfield and communities across North Carolina.

As Director of the Heritage Center and Smithfield Historic Foundation, Todd’s work sits at the intersection of preservation and progress. From efforts to restore the historic downtown theater to helping bring the Tuscarora mural to life—and uncovering important pieces of Smithfield’s early history—his leadership reflects a belief that understanding where we’ve been is essential to shaping where we’re going.

For those of us thinking about the future of Smithfield’s growth, that perspective matters. The strength of a community isn’t just measured by what gets built next, but by how well it connects to what’s already here.

In this conversation, Todd shares his approach to preserving Smithfield’s character, the stories that have shaped the town, and why that work plays a critical role in creating a vibrant, lasting future.

Todd Johnson, Executive Director, Johnston Heritage Center — Todd Johnson, Executive Director, **Johnston Heritage Center**

What first sparked your love of history - and how did that lead you here?

Todd’s story begins on a family farm — and with his grandmother.

"I grew up on the family farm nearby grandparents and used to love to sit and listen to my grandmother tell stories, she was born in 1902, and it was worlds apart from how I grew up. I got interested in civil war history because of her grandfather and his story and I was told that there was more information at the Public Library in Smithfield. I came to the library where they had all the history in Johnston County in one room upstairs and met Margaret McLemore Lee. She was the founding curator of the Johnston County room collection that eventually became the Heritage Center collection. I guess you could say I got bitten by the bug; the history bug, the genealogy bug and I spent a lot of my teenage years going to libraries and archives and courthouses and talking to older family members."

After graduate school at NC State, Todd assumed he would leave for Raleigh or even further away. Instead, Margaret Lee retired — and he became curator in 1991.

“I’ve been doing this a long time. It’s a passion. I love hearing the stories. I love uncovering parts of stories that have been hidden or lost. I love helping people discover their stories and that's one of the great things about what we do here. We have people who come here who know very little about their family and when they leave, they know so much more about where they come from.”

Why do you think it’s important for communities and residents to understand and preserve their history?

It comes down to people and places.

Back in my parents and grandparents’ generation every little crossroads community was just a very close-knit network of families and friends and people who look out for each other. I think it's important to engage, get involved in community. I hope newcomers will find a way to plug in and get involved in something that brings people together as a community.

It's also really important to preserve the places: these are the tangible things that we can connect with that help tell our story. It’s nice to see pictures and read a story but to go to a place where something happened or where somebody lived their life - those places are very important, and I really hope that people who were moving in will embrace that idea of the importance of saving the places.

What would you want new residents to appreciate about Johnston County’s heritage and identity?

“I think we all need to learn from the past and gain a better understanding of who we are and where we come from. I think that it is so important to share your own story and listen to the stories of others. Trying to understand their story in context can be helpful to relating to others.”

Are there any upcoming events celebrate the history of Johnston County and surrounding Towns?

Johnston County's festivals tell its story!

Ham & Yam Festival

Smithfield’s signature event celebrates pork and sweet potatoes — once major local industries.

“Back in the early 1980s, Johnston County was the leading sweet potato producing county in the United States.”

Other towns carry their own traditions:

Benson Mule Days -

“When farmers started abandoning mules for tractors in the 1950s, Benson felt the need to memorialize the mule. It’s still going strong.”

America 250 Celebration – County-wide event June 27.

In Smithfield celebrations will be at the Johnston Community College and will include:

Living history encampment
Cannon and musket demonstrations
Carriage rides
Craft vendors
Parade on campus
Performances of the musical 1776

More details can be found on the Johnston County Visitor Bureau's website.

“A lot going on that weekend.”

Todd’s perspective is a reminder that growth and preservation are not competing ideas—they are most powerful when they work together. As Smithfield continues to evolve, the stories, places, and traditions that have shaped the community remain essential to its identity. By understanding and valuing that history, both longtime residents and those just arriving have the opportunity to contribute to something more meaningful—a community that is not only growing, but staying rooted in what makes it distinct.

Continue the Conversation

Smithfield’s future is being shaped by a wide range of local leaders, businesses, and organizations — each bringing a different perspective on growth, opportunity, and community