Friends of Moorefields

- in addition to routine repairs and maintenance of the house and grounds, ongoing efforts to maintain and preserve the historic house at Moorefields have included completion of painting of the exterior of the 1785 house, and restoration of the house's front porch which acts as a gathering place for visitors and a stage for musical performances in addition to being the entryway to the house. The porch project began in 2022 with grants from the covington foundation of $15,000 (2022), and the ochiltree foundation of $4,000 (2023). Total project cost was $19,177. - a new website was designed and launched in 2023 at a cost of $2,500, supported by a grant from the ochiltree foundation, with design work donated in part. The redesigned, user-friendly site will enable us to reach a much wider audience with information about projects and events.- utilizing a $91,928 grant from the national park service through the nc state historic preservation office, Moorefields undertook an archaeological survey project to provide initial information about the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on the site. The work is ongoing, with $33,900 expended in 2023, and reports and presentations due in 2024. A free public archaeology day event was attended by approximately 50 people september to showcase the archaeology field work in progress. - free wildflower and birding hikes were held in the spring, led by volunteer knowledgeable professionals, and attended by approximately 60 people. - four free summer tour days of the house and grounds were staffed by volunteer board members, hosting approximately 130 people.- the annual bluegrass festival was held on the lawn, attended by approximately 600 people. The festival grossed $19,660. Expenses totaled $6,710.