Sixty years ago, Wilmington’s now-celebrated historic downtown was facing an existential crisis. Mid-century urban renewal projects were systematically dismantling the region’s architectural fabric, leaving behind badly deteriorated buildings and neglected neighborhoods. On August 2, 1966, twelve determined Wilmington residents stepped forward to reverse the tide, signing the articles of incorporation that established the Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF)—one of North Carolina’s earliest volunteer preservation organizations.
Six decades later, HWF is celebrating its 60th Anniversary year by honoring that original, evergreen resolve and looking forward to a vibrant future. What began as a grassroots rescue mission by a dozen visionaries has grown into a powerhouse organization backed by hundreds of members, dedicated volunteers, a professional staff, and an active Board of Directors.
Join the Historic Wilmington Foundation at Waterline Brewing on Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:00 – 9:00 PM and break up your workweek with a great cause: Preservation on Tap!
We are meeting in Waterline’s historic venue for an evening of community, conservation, and great beer. The best part? Waterline is generously donating $1 from every pint purchased between 6:00 and 9:00 PM to HWF!
Drink Great Beer. Save Historic Places.
There is no better place to celebrate our mission than Waterline Brewing. Housed in the restored 1940s Jacobi Hardware warehouse just underneath the picturesque Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the venue itself is a testament to the power of preservation!
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors! Let’s raise a glass, protect our past, and toast to the future of the Port City.
Wednesday, July 22nd | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Waterline Brewing Co.
721 Surry Street, Wilmington, NC
For more than 17 years, the Historic Wilmington Foundation has partnered with New Hanover County Public Schools for Tar Heels Go Walking, an educational walking tour for third graders.
HWF is seeking volunteer tour guides to lead our intrepid explorers! Interested? Here’s what you need to know: The Tar Heels Go Walking season runs from August to February, and tours are given Monday through Friday from approximately 9:30am-12pm. Tours are mostly outdoors, and still run in light rain and high or low temperatures. Guides are asked to be able to safely and comfortably walk the route, which is ~0.75 miles. HWF provides a script, and no prior experience is required! Guides must attend orientation and shadow a tour.
Orientation attendees will be given a detailed overview of the program, including plenty of support materials, practice operating our new wireless audio system, and an opportunity to chat with other more experienced guides. Attending the training does not commit you to being a volunteer tour guide, but it is a required starting point. Please come even if you’re just a little curious, and invite a friend or two to join!
Our next orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 5th at 7pm in our 511 Queen Street Headquarters.
WED–FRI: 9AM-2PM
SAT: 9AM-3PM | SUN: 11AM-3PM
1831-B Dawson St.
Saving Pieces of Our Past
The Historic Wilmington Foundation works every day to keep historic buildings intact and in place. But when a structure is facing demolition, Legacy Architectural Salvage serves as the best-case option in a worst-case scenario. When a building is unable to be saved, Legacy steps in to save irreplaceable pieces of our past.
Our team of staff and volunteers deconstruct old buildings, salvaging wood, doors, windows, siding, and other architectural elements. These materials are then sold (at salvage prices!) to members of our community, who utilize them in restoration and rehabilitation projects. An operation of HWF, Legacy Architectural Salvage diverts tons of wood from the landfill, and places these salvaged elements right back into area homes, helping to preserve our region’s historic fabric.