Historic Wilmington Foundation Inc

Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF) operates a retail salvage operation, Legacy Architectural Salvage (LAS). HWF works every day to keep historic properties intact and in place. But when a property is facing demolition, LAS serves as the best-case option in a worst-case scenario. Our team of staff and volunteers deconstruct historic properties, salvaging architectural elements (e.g., flooring, doors, windows, door knobs, fireplace mantles, newel posts, and more). LAS also accepts donations of pre-1960s architectural salvage from homeowners and contractors, who have removed such elements during deconstruction and renovation projects. These elements are then sold to members of our community, who utilize them in restoration and rehabilitation projects. As an operation of HWF, LAS diverts tons of wood from the landfill and places these salvaged elements right back into area properties, helping to preserve our region's built history. Proceeds from LAS support HWF's preservation efforts.At LAS, free workshops are offered on a regular basis, covering various topics related to home repair and maintenance. Wilmington is blessed with a large supply of historic homes, but unfortunately, there's a limited number of home improvement professionals who specialize in repairing and restoring historic homes. LAS works to fill that gap, serving as a much needed hub for knowledge on how to preserve and protect our built history. Through these workshops, LAS connects historic preservation professionals with historic home stewards, educating and empowering our community. These practical demonstrations promote self-sufficiency in area homeowners as taking on home improvement projects themselves can be far less costly than hiring help. Proper maintenance ensures that historic homes remain affordable and protects those homes for future generations.

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.