Wake Forest is digging into the roots of its past with an innovative approach, launching the Wake Forest History Exchange, a collaborative effort that smacks of community spirit and a thirst to fill the gaps in the local historical narrative. Thanks to the elbow grease of the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), in partnership with Historic Preservation Planning staff, GIS professionals, and the Wake Forest Historical Museum, residents have a new way to connect with their town's stories. Sporting a GIS-based platform, the exchange encourages locals to put their own historical imprints on the map.
There's an excitement in the air, or at least that's the vibe Michelle Michael, Senior Planner for Historic Preservation, gives off. She told The Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission that "There are many layers to the history of Wake Forest, some well-known, some not so well-known." The project, she suggests, is a kind of open mic for history buffs, where anyone can chime in with tales of Wake Forest's less trumpeted locales, characters, and customs. It's got four main ambitions – to engage, explore, educate, and exchange histories, especially those that might otherwise be dust in the wind, as per the Town of Wake Forest.
Back in 2022, a penny for the thoughts of historic preservation led to the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Plan (HPP). The brainchild of the HPC and its dedicated staff, the plan was a blueprint for dialing up transparency and public access to the ins and outs of historical preservation. Taking a chapter from our digital-age playbook, the plan's supporters aimed to lace modern tech with the learning of bygone stories. True to their word, the History Exchange is the latest example of this ethos made virtual reality, where the power to share historical information is but a few clicks away for any townsperson.
Now, if you've got a tale to tell or a snapshot that speaks a thousand words, the History Exchange is all ears. The online "Share your story" survey beckons for your contributions. Plus, the tech-savvy platform isn't shy about receiving your photos and audio. And for those struck by a bout of the spontaneous, you can even hit record and orally archive your anecdote on the spot, as per the Town of Wake Forest.
