The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) has recently announced the initiation of a comprehensive architectural survey targeting the historic buildings and landscapes of Graham County. Slated to document and evaluate structures and sites from the 19th century all the way to the 1970s, the survey endeavors to assist local planning efforts aimed at the preservation of these treasured resources.
Specialists Dr. Michael Ann Williams and Audrey Thomas from the State Historic Preservation Office (HPO) are set to spearhead the fieldwork from April to May this year, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources revealed. Their mission involves not just photographing and sketching site plans but also, collecting oral histories firsthand from those connected to these historical sites. The survey's conclusion is expected by the end of 2025.
Architectural surveying zeroes in on buildings and landscapes aging over 50 years, identifying the ones that might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Such recognition could subsequently pave the way for state and federal tax credits for certified historic rehabilitation of these sites. The final report emanating from the Graham County Comprehensive Architectural Survey will offer crucial analysis of the county's development through its architectural history.
Post-survey, the HPO ensures that the survey findings will be absorbed into the statewide architectural records, readily available to the public via HPOWEB. This repository of historical data will aid in the environmental appraisal needed for, state and federal projects and help fuel economic and community advancement. The survey's outputs are also expected to bolster Graham County's heritage tourism initiatives.
Those eager for more details about the survey can reach out to Elizabeth C. King, the Architectural Survey Coordinator for the HPO, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 828-250-3108. Additionally, contact information for the fieldworkers, Dr. Michael Ann Williams and Audrey Thomas, are available at [email protected] and [email protected] respectively, or by calling 828-296-7230.
With 100 locations under its belt, including historic sites, museums, parks, and trails among others, the DNCR sustains its objective to foster an appreciation for North Carolina's abundant arts, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes, while driving forward educational, economic, and community endeavors within the Tar Heel State.
