SIXTY YEARS OF SAVING SOUL

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.

“When the Historic Wilmington Foundation was founded in 1966, Downtown Wilmington was facing serious decline,” says Carol Bullock, Executive Director of HWF. “Historic buildings were being neglected and preservation was far from a shared value. But a small group of determined individuals saw something different; they saw possibility where others saw loss. They believed that historic places matter—not just as relics of the past, but as foundations for the future.”

HWF first captured widespread community attention in 1978 by buying and redeveloping five derelict homes on South 2nd Street between Church and Castle Streets. By restoring these properties with volunteer labor and selling them to preservation-conscious buyers, HWF proved that neighborhoods could be saved on a massive scale. Early regional events, like the annual May Fair and a flagship speaker program featuring Wilmington-native David Brinkley, successfully rallied public sentiment around the value of the city’s unique character.

Today, partly because of the six-decade-long alliance between HWF, its donors, and the local community, Wilmington boasts one of the largest historic districts in the United States, spanning more than 230 blocks of historic homes, churches, warehouses, and landmarks.

“We very much appreciate our sponsors,” says Jan Brewington, President of the HWF Board of Trustees. “Their contributions keep our work going, along with our incredible staff and all of our wonderful volunteers and friends. Thank you to the community that continues to rally behind us and contribute to preservation in our region, each in their own unique way.”

True to its founding mission, HWF’s work remains highly relevant to modern-day challenges. The foundation’s Preservation Action Committee (PAC) is currently engaged in fierce advocacy to protect the historic district as plans materialize to relocate and rebuild the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Furthermore, demonstrating that historic preservation can solve contemporary issues, HWF recently restored two small cottages on S. 4th Street to serve as much-needed workforce housing.

“Preservation is not about freezing time—it’s about continuity,” notes Bullock. “Together, these buildings tell a story that spans generations of Wilmington’s life. It’s about honoring the past while shaping a livable, vibrant, and resilient future.”