HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC minutes 042617 Attachment 1
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Orange County
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Approved Meeting Summary
April 26th, 2017
Old Orange County Courthouse
106 East King Street, Hillsborough
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Ireland, Allie Mead, Art Menius, Grace White
MEMBERS ABSENT: Todd Dickinson, Jaime Grant, Tom Loter
STAFF PRESENT: Peter Sandbeck GUESTS: None
ITEM #1: CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chair Menius called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
ITEM #2: CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA: Sandbeck asked to add two discussion items:
1) report back about the BOCC work session on March 28th, and 2) the possible donation
of agricultural implements for Blackwood Farm Park.
ITEM #3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES for March 22nd, 2017 (Attachment 1): Ireland moved to
approve the minutes with one correction noted, seconded by White; motion approved.
ITEM #4: ITEMS FOR DECISION: None
ITEM #5: DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Historic Preservation Month Programs and Activities:
Staff provided a handout summary of the various initiatives that will be happening for
Preservation Month, based on our earlier conversations about this topic. We will have the
BOCC sign a proclamation. Also, the archaeologists will begin work on the ground-
penetrating radar the week of May 15-19. We would like to have a program to highlight
this project. The Alliance is organizing some “lunch and learn” programs to cover different
topics, to be held on each of the five Tuesdays in May. They asked staff to do a
presentation about the courthouse and upcoming landscaping and restoration work. Other
programs will include the Burwell School project to do a National Landmark. We can host
a tour of the historic courthouse as part of the “last Friday” events in downtown on May
26. There could be a video loop that shows the clock while it is striking. It might be
possible to hold two tours. We could also open the Norwood-Jones Law Office too and will
need to station someone there while open. Staff checked about the possibility of a
Facebook page for the HPC, and learned it was possible, provided we set up an email
address. Members discussed possible names and agreed that a good choice is
preservation@orangecountync.gov. This would let us establish a presence in social
media. Another piece could be a new web site for the HPC, as our current site offers very
little content. Members searched our web site and noted that their names and addresses
were listed. Several asked to have their addresses removed from the public web site if
possible. The May 4th event at Blackwood Farm was then discussed. Issues include the
scheduling of getting all 305 students through all the stations, with each station getting 12
minutes. The challenge is to have a tight script or program that keeps their attention. They
need to have an experience while at the station. Dickinson has a whole collection of
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historic tools and woodworking implements that could be a hands-on display. Discussion
followed about logistics, scheduling and content of our presentations. Staff provided an
aerial photo that shows the approximate location of the HPC station, on the south side.
White and Ireland agreed to volunteer to help. Dickinson offered to help.
b. Old Courthouse Archaeology Project to start in May:
Our archaeological team of Legacy Research of Durham, and New South Associates from
Greensboro will be doing the ground-penetrating radar study of the entire courthouse
square the week of May 15-19, depending on the weather. It will take 4-8 weeks for them
to process the data. They will be looking for the foundations of the Old Jail built in 1837,
as well as the two earlier courthouses and the so-called “mayor’s office.”
c. Membership:
Members reviewed current applicants who have registered online but did not take any
action as there is presently no vacancy.
d. Annual Report at BOCC Work Session:
Chair Dickinson made a very positive presentation to the BOCC to outline our current and
planned activities, but time was too short for discussion or questions and answers.
ITEM #6: UPDATES AND INFORMATION ITEMS
a. Report Back from Book Committee:
It was not possible to schedule a meeting during this past month. Staff will push forward to
try to find a date that will work for all. May 26th was suggested as a good time.
b. Cedar Grove School National Register Nomination project:
Staff gave a brief presentation about the significance of the former Cedar Grove Negro
School, built 1951 as the first consolidated school for blacks. We have been able to hire a
consultant to prepare a Study List application to start the National Register process.
c. Eno Quaker Meeting burying ground:
Staff provided a brief update. The local Friends Meeting in Hillsborough has voted to
adopt this as a project. There should be a constructive role for the county to play.
d. DOT Projects:
Staff gave a brief presentation to give update on the proposed NC DOT project to replace
the 1950s bridge over the Eno at Hall’s Mill Road. The HPC will have a role in determining
the impact or effect of this project when NC DOT makes a formal application through the
State Historic Preservation Office.
e. Overview of Farm Implement Donation and Other County Projects:
Members viewed photos of a large collection of farm tools and implements, along with
larger objects like a riding cultivator and a wagon. These were collected by the Whitfield
family down in the southeastern portion of the county, then purchased at an estate sale by
two community-minded citizens who wish to donate it to the County for use at Blackwood
Farm. Staff demonstrated a new web site called “The Barns of Madison County” that
showcases a barn documentation project by local historians there.
f. Open Air Time for members to share information
No items tonight.
ITEM #7: ADJOURNMENT: White moved to adjourn, seconded by Ireland; meeting adjourned at
9:01 pm
Meeting summary by Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR staff