Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended their week-long celebration of preservation to the entire month of May. Now, local preservation groups, state historical societies, and business and civic organizations across the country celebrate Preservation Month. Associated events promote historic places and heritage tourism, and demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.
Each May, the Historic Wilmington Foundation holds various events that honor local preservation efforts, encourage advocacy, and educate our community about our incredible built history. With this year’s lineup of events, HWF hopes to shine a light on the pressing advocacy issues facing our growing city, spark interest in the Lower Cape Fear region’s rich and storied past, and showcase the remarkable preservation projects taking place all around us.
Preservation Month Events
MAIDES CEMETERY CLEAN-UP
Saturday, May 13th from 9:00am – 12:00pm
Meet at Maides Park (1101 Manly Avenue)
Our region’s rural cemeteries and burial grounds for traditionally-marginalized people are in danger from development and neglect. That’s why the Historic Wilmington Foundation is dedicated to partnering with community advocate Kathy King in her efforts to preserve and protect Maides Cemetery, a historic African-American cemetery with graves dating back to the 19th century. Join us for a morning of service on Saturday, May 13th! To learn more about Maides Cemetery, click here.
PRESERVATION AWARDS CEREMONY
Thursday, May 18th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Thalian Hall (310 Chestnut Street)
Sponsored by Residents of Old Wilmington
Each year, the Historic Wilmington Foundation honors the very special people enacting our mission through exemplary preservation efforts in the following categories: Adaptive Reuse, Rehabilitation, Appropriate New Construction, and Restoration. To learn more about award criteria and past winners, click here.
Saturday, May 20th from 9:00am – 2:00pm
Legacy Architectural Salvage (1831-B Dawson Street, behind Stevens Ace Hardware)
A celebration of local vintage sellers and upcycling artisans! This curated market is specifically designed to help customers shop beautiful gifts from local collectors and creators of every stripe. Shop from our selection of vendors offering handcrafted wares, vintage finds, and antique treasures! Plus, Legacy Architectural Salvage will have special deals, raffles, and treats in store. To view a full list of vendors, click here.
Thank you to our valued sponsors!
Our sponsors allow us to carry out a vital mission that began in 1966 and is still going strong. We are grateful to each and every one!
To sponsor HWF, contact Isabelle Shepherd, Outreach & Development Coordinator: shepherd@historicwilmington.org.
2023 Annual Sponsors
Alex McKinney Real Estate
1213 Culbreth Drive, Suite 109
Wilmington, NC 28405
910.886.4884
Hogue Hill, LLP
101 South 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.763.4565
Bob King Buick GMC, Inc.
5115 New Centre Drive
Wilmington, NC 28428
910.782.2982
Mark S. Kennedy, CPA, PLLC
910.742.2478
mark.kennedy@mskcpa1.com
Brigitte Simone Real Estate, Inc.
1025 N. Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
910.617.7743
Mason, Mason, and Smith, Attorneys at Law
514 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.444.3505
The Cameron Team
110 Dungannon Blvd Ste 100
Wilmington, NC 28403
910.202.2546
MoMentum Companies
103 South Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.519.3003
Decision Point Wealth Consulting at UBS
1985 Eastwood Road, Suite 110
Wilmington, NC 28403
910.509.2166
Patriot Roofing & Exteriors
921 Princess Street, Suite 155
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.218.0600
First Bank
201 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.343.0181
St. Stephen AME Church
501 Red Cross Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.762.9829
