Historic Wilmington Foundation

Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF) operates a retail salvage operation, Legacy Architectural Salvage (LAS). HWF works every day to keep historic buildings intact and in place. But when a structure is facing demolition, Legacy serves as the best-case option in a worst-case scenario. Our team of staff and volunteers deconstruct old buildings, salvaging architectural elements (e.g., flooring, doors, windows, door knobs, fireplace mantles, newel posts, and more). LAS also accepts donations of pre-1960s architectural salvage from homeowners and contractors, who have removed such features during renovations. These materials are then sold to members of our community, who utilize them in restoration and rehabilitation projects. An operation of HWF, Legacy Architectural Salvage diverts tons of wood from the landfill, and places these salvaged elements right back into area homes, helping to preserve our region's historic fabric. Proceeds from LAS support HWF's preservation efforts. At Legacy Architectural Salvage, free workshops are offered on a regular basis, covering various topics related to home repair and maintenance. Wilmington is blessed with a large supply of historic homes, but unfortunately, there's a limited number of home improvement professionals in town who specialize in repairing and restoring old properties. LAS works to fill in that gap, serving as a much-needed hub for knowledge on how to preserve and protect our built history. Through these workshops, LAS connects historic preservation professionals with old home stewards educating and empowering our community. These practical demonstrations promote self-sufficiency in area homeowners and taking on home improvement projects themselves can be a far less costly option than hiring help. Proper maintenance ensures that old homes remain affordable and protects those houses for future generations.

Historic Wilmington Foundation partners with the City of Wilmington in an effort to save houses on the Demolition by Neglect (DBN) list. Grant funding is received from the 1772 Foundation which helps identify endangered properties and then HWF works with eligible homeowners, providing grant money for necessary repairs. In addition to funding, HWF provides advice and support during the repair process.

For over 50 years, HWF has preserved our region's built history utilizing a revolving fund, preservation easements, education, and advocacy. Wilmington has eight National Register of Historic Places Districts and the HWF has played a pivotal role in the creation and designation of all of them. Beginning with the creation of the Wilmington historic district in 1974, HWF has helped establish the National Register Districts of Masonboro Sound, Carolina Place, Westbrook Ardmore, Sunset Park, Carolina Heights, and Brookwood. HWF has one of the most prolific local plaque programs in the country, featuring six distinctive plaques to honor a variety of historic places. More than 700 plaques have been researched and approved for historic buildings throughout New Hanover County, NC, and beyond. Another educational program is Tar Heels Go Walking, a walking tour for New Hanover County's third-grade students; HWF also holds free walking tours each month for adults, covering a variety of topics related to architecture and history. In the last three years, HWF has used its revolving fund for the relocation of 310 Bladen (an 1890s bungalow set for demolition) and the restoration of Reaves Chapel, a local landmark to Gullah-Geechee heritage and culture. HWF's Preservation Equity Fund helps to save homes on the City of Wilmington's Demolition by Neglect list; this program serves our neighbors who are most in need-saving not just their home, but our community's collective history. In 2021, HWF committed itself to finding a solution for perpetual care of Maides Cemetery, a historic African-American cemetery (located in New Hanover County) with graves dating back to the 19th century. Currently, HWF is assisting Giblem Lodge the second-oldest Black Masonic Temple in the state-to prepare a local landmark application, engage consultants, and apply for grant funding to support dire repairs. HWF has also partnered with Cape Fear Community College to create a historic preservation construction certification. Training more contractors to properly restore old buildings ensures a strong future for our historic homes and businesses and strengthens our local job market.