Amanda Brantley, Site Manager, House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site
Amanda Brantley was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but her passion for public history has taken her across centuries. As the site manager at House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site, Amanda doesn’t just oversee one of the state’s most dynamic Revolutionary War landmarks. She also plays an active role in bringing its history to life through living history interpretation and hands-on education.
With nearly 20 years of experience in historical interpretation and over 15 years of working for the Division of State Historic Sites, Amanda has portrayed women from as early as the 1750s through World War II. Whether she’s demonstrating 18th-century daily life or explaining the logistics of historic hair care (yes, that's her real hair), Amanda brings nuance, personality, and accuracy to the stories of women who are too often left out of the historical record.
“I like to portray the average woman,” she says. “Their stories are so often overlooked, but their contributions are a pivotal part of history.”
Amanda is also a trailblazer behind the scenes. She became the first female historic weapons instructor for North Carolina State Historic Sites and currently serves on the board of the North Carolina Military Historical Society. She has written for The Citizens' Companion, The Homefront Herald, and Tar Heel Junior Historian. She has presented at state and national conferences on topics ranging from period hairstyles to developing field trips that truly engage students.
While questions like “How long does it take to get dressed?” or “Is that really your hair?” are common, Amanda uses every interaction as a moment to educate, engage, and connect. Her goal is to make the past feel relevant and real, especially for young people and those who may not see themselves reflected in traditional historical narratives.
At House in the Horseshoe, where the Revolutionary War quite literally left bullet holes in the walls, Amanda ensures that the site’s layered stories—of war, resilience, and everyday life—continue to resonate with today’s audiences.
Plan Your Visit to House in the Horseshoe
Tucked along the banks of the Deep River, House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site offers a vivid glimpse into North Carolina’s revolutionary past. Visitors can explore the historic Alston House, view the site of a 1781 skirmish, and enjoy living history programs led by Amanda and her team.
The site is located at 288 Alston House Road, Sanford, NC 27330, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more and plan your visit here: https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/house-horseshoe