Historic Wilmington Foun Inc

For over 55 years, HWF has preserved our region's built history utilizing a revolving grant fund, easements, education, and advocacy. Wilmington has eight National Register of Historic Places and HWF has played a pivotal role in the creation and designation of all of them. Beginning with the creation of the Wilmington Historic and Archeological District in 1974, HWF has helped establish the National Register of Historic Places of Market Street Mansion, Carolina Place, Carolina Heights, Masonboro Sound, Sunset Park, Westbrook-Ardmore, and Brookwood. HWF has one of the most prolific local plaque programs in the country, featuring six distinctive plaques to honor a variety of historic properties. More than 700 plaques have been researched and approved for historic properties throughout New Hanover County, NC, and beyond. Another educational program is Tar Heels Go Walking, a walking tour for New Hanover County's third grade students. HWF also holds free walking tours each month for adults, covering a variety of topics related to architecture and history. In the last three years, HWF has used its revolving grant fund for the relocation of 310 Bladen, an 1890s bungalow set for demolition, and the restoration of Reaves Chapel, a local landmark to Gullah Geechee culture and heritage. HWF's Preservation Equity Fund helps to save properties on the City of Wilmington's Demolition by Neglect (DBN) list; this program serves our neighbors who are most in need of saving not just their homes, but our community's built history. In 2021, HWF committed itself to finding a solution for the perpetual care of Maides Cemetery, a historic African American cemetery (located in New Hanover County) with graves dating back to the 19th century. Currently, HWF is assisting Giblem Lodge, the second-oldest Black Masonic Temple in the state, to prepare a local landmark application, engage consultants, and apply for grant funding to support dire repairs. HWF has also partnered with Cape Fear Community College to create a historic preservation construction certification. Training more contractors to properly restore historic properties ensures a strong future for our historic homes and strengthens our local job market.

HWF partners with the City of Wilmington in an effort to save properties on the Demolition by Neglect (DBN) list. Grant funding is received from The 1772 Foundation, which helps identify endangered properties and then HWF works with area homeowners, providing grant funds for necessary repairs. In addition to funding, HWF provides advice and support during the repair process.