Historic Preservation Activities

Bethania Freedmen's Community Marker Unveiling

The HRC has two major subcommittees: the Education Committee and the Historic Marker Committee. The Education Committee develops programs and projects to educate the public about the history of Forsyth County’s built environment and the work of the HRC. The Education Committee sponsors historic preservation month activities. Throughout Preservation Month, the Education Committee sponsors local activities such as a weekly Lunch and Learn Lecture Series, tax credit workshops and historic marker unveilings. In 2006 and 2008 the HRC began and sponsored the Heritage Awards. The Awards recognized individuals, groups, organizations and businesses active in the preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or interpretation of the county’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage. In 2011, the decision was made to transfer sponsorship of the Heritage Awards to Preserve Historic Forsyth (PHF), the countywide historic resources non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, protect and advocate for historic resources in Forsyth County.

In 2001, the City of Winston-Salem initiated a historic marker program. The purpose of this program is to recognize properties, events and individuals of local historic significance. Each year, the HRC selects up to three marker locations. The historic marker program has been highly successful in providing much-needed visibility and recognition for historic sites within the city.