HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-11-2025; 5 - Historic Preservation Commission – Appointments Discussion 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 11, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 5
SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Commission — Appointments Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet
Applications of Persons Recommended
Applications of Applicants
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
Annual Work Plan
PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission.
BACKGROUND: The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with undertaking an
inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance. It
recommends areas to be designated or removed as "historic districts" and reviews and acts
upon proposals for alterations, demolition, new construction, etc.
In considering new applicants, the HPC is required to follow the guidelines from the State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in order for the County to remain eligible to participate in
the state's Certified Local Government (CLG) program. Those guidelines include the following
language governing the qualifications of prospective HPC applicants: "All members shall have
demonstrated experience or knowledge in history, architecture or related disciplines that is
supported by resume information sufficient to allow the SHPO to confirm the qualifications of
members, pursuant to 36 CFR Part 61."
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seven (7) At-Large members.
The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Dr. Anne At-Large Second Full Term 03/31/2028
Whisnant
Art Menius At-Large Second Full Term 03/31/2028
Todd At-Large Second Full Term 03/31/2028
Dickinson
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If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: There are no Orange County Strategic Plan Goals
applicable to this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to
the Historic Preservation Commission.
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 27, 2025
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of County Commissioners
300 West Tryon Street
Hillsborough,NC 27278
Dear Chair Bedford:
The Orange County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) wishes to make the following
recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners to reappoint three current members to
second terms on the HPC; all three have first terms expiring on March 31,2025:
Reappoint Dr. Anne Whisnant to serve a second term in position#5. Dr. Whisnant is a
professional historian with a strong background in historic preservation with a
specialization on the impact on Black and indigenous peoples during the creation and
development of our National Parks.
Reappoint Art Menius to serve a second term in position#6. Mr. Menius brings an
extensive background and interest in Colonial-period history and vernacular historic
buildings and has worked extensively in the cultural arts and non-profit sector.
Reappoint Todd Dickinson to serve a second term in position#7. Mr. Dickinson has
devoted his career to overseeing many outstanding projects to restore some of our major
historic buildings and sites in Orange County and across the state.
These members have excellent attendance records and have generously contributed their time
and talent to promote the goals of the HPC.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
David Stancil,Director,DEAPR
cc: Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator/HPC staff
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Historic Preservation Commission Members and Applicants
Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
Cecelia Moore Member Female White 60+ Bingham
Eric Deetz Member Male White 60+ Chapel Hill
Rob Golan Member Male White 60+ Cheeks
Carol Ann Lewald Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough
Anne Whisnant Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Art Menius Member Male White 60+ Little River Orange Unified Transportation Board
Todd Dickinson Member Male White 60+ Little River
Carrie Bernier Applicant Female White 35-59 Cedar Grove
John Brown lApplicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Kristofer Cason jApplicant Male lWhite 35-59 lChapel Hill
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Page 1 of 3 Anne Whisnant
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Dr. Anne Whisnant
Name Called:
Home Address: 9115 Laurel Springs Drive
Chapel Hill NC 27516
Phone: 919-968-4259
Email: amwhisnant@prisource.com
Year of OC Residence: 1994
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Neighbors on Call
American Association for State and Local History
American Historical Association
Appalachian Studies Association
Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs
Historical Society of North Carolina
National Council on Public History
National Parks Conservation Association Southeast Regional Council & National Council
Organization of American Historians
Southern Historical Association
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Historic Preservation Commission (APPLICANTS SHALL RESIDE WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a professional historian with a long record of work in public history and North Carolina
history. I have a growing interest in Orange County history.
Currently, I am Associate Professor of the Practice in the Social Science Research Institute and
Director of Graduate Liberal Studies MA program at Duke University. With my husband David, I
also run a small history consulting firm, Primary Source History Services. I earned my Ph.D. in
history from UNC in 1997.
My work as a historian and teacher has been concentrated in public history, where I have deep
expertise in the history and development of the U.S. National Parks. I am author of Super-Scenic
Motorway: A Blue Ridge Parkway History(UNC Press, 2006), and co-author of five other
historical studies for the National Park Service. I was the project lead for the influential 2011
study, Imperiled Promise: The State of History in the National Park Service, cosponsored by
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Page 2 of 3 Anne Whisnant
NPS and the Organization of American Historians. In 2021, 1 completed a major National
Register of Historic Places amended documentation project for Portsmouth Village, NC, a
former Outer Banks community now at the north end of Cape Lookout National Seashore. The
project expanded the NR boundary and developed an area of significance for African American
history in the district.
My most recent project, co-written with my husband and partner David E. Whisnant, is a study
on African American history for the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock, NC.
Entitled Black Lives and Whitened Stories: From the Lowcountry to the Mountains, this study
won the 2022 Excellence in Consulting Award from the National Council on Public History.
Prior to coming to Duke, I spent a decade in administration and on the faculty at UNC-Chapel
Hill and a year on the faculty at East Carolina University. At both places, I taught North Carolina
history and public history. At UNC, I developed and taught(for a decade)the Introduction to
Public History course, which often included student projects. The most important of those was
an Orange County-focused project: Names in Brick and Stone: Histories from UNC s Built
Landscape (2015-17), which featured histories related to the building names on the UNC
campus (see https://unchistory.web.unc.edu/).
My full CV is available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1 Eb4ii7sWdvyQuhW3LzuQ3c-
gbhk1j93x2t_IgOPpvtl/edit?usp=sharing
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
From 2015-17, 1 and my UNC students created an expansive history project focused on the UNC
campus. This work drew me into the history of the county where I have resided permanently
since 1994.
During the pandemic, my husband and I took daily walks along Morgan Creek behind our home.
As a side project during this time, we began looking into the very specific history of the property
that became the Laurel Springs neighborhood where we live. We overlaid historical aerial
photographs on current maps, traced barbed wire around the neighborhood, and researched the
Durham and Lloyd families who previously owned this land. I realized that so much interesting
history lies within close reach.
I would like to serve on this board to contribute some of my expertise to the ongoing larger
project of discovering, preserving, and highlighting our County s history for the interest and
benefit of our citizens. I would like to engage others in the excitement of discovery that I have
experienced and help to highlight resources that make these histories more visible and relevant.
With my work described above, I am especially interested in surfacing histories that have had
less attention, including those of women, and Black and indigenous populations, and the larger
social-economic-cultural-political systems that have operated in what is now Orange County. I
think of history and its tangible remains as critical social resources that help us understand our
lives and make decisions in our own time.
I would also see serving on this board as a way to learn more about the practice of historic
preservation, which I ve taught and read about and done a little of(see discussion above of
National Register project at Portsmouth Village). But I have never had formal training in historic
preservation and would welcome the opportunity to learn more about how it works at the county
level.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
My original graduate work at UNC was in women s history, and I am always looking for ways to
highlight women s lives and how gender worked in the past. Even though I am white, I also have
expertise in researching and writing about Black history and am equipped with at least some
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Page 3 of 3 Anne Whisnant
intellectual tools to ask good questions about who is left out of any story. I also have done a lot
of work on what I call the politics of the built environment (my Blue Ridge Parkway work,
discussed in a previous question, focuses on the class politics of the Parkway), and I am
therefore alert to ways that our built environments and even our historic presentation and
preservation activities can reinforce hierarchies and power. I therefore want to see historic
preservation as much more than just preserving grand old buildings. Instead, it should also try to
highlight histories that are under-represented on the land and find ways to help citizens see that
what is no longer readily visible may be as important as what can be seen. I would look forward
to bringing these perspectives to the board.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 2/21/2023 7:35:09 AM Date Printed: 2/28/2023
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Page 1 of 2 Art Menius
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Art Menius
Name Called:
Home Address: 4720 Green Riley Road
Rougemont NC 27572
Phone: 919-675-2787
Email: art@artmenius.com
Year of OC Residence: 1973
Township of Residence: Little River
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 60+
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Currently a member of the OUTBoard. Member and past president of Rotary Club of
Chapel Hill. Volunteer programmer on WHUP community radio. Former member OC
Historical Commission.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
OUTBoard - current (2022-2025) and previously 2014-2020
OC Historical Commission (2014-2022)
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Historic Preservation Commission
Application Date: 8/4/2022
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
MA in History from UNC-CH Public sector historian for NC Historic Sites 1977-1981 Historic
Preservation Commission member 2015-2022
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Commitment to completing several projects on the table during my previous terms including
county markers and historic architecture book
Conflict of Interest:
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Page 2 of 2 Art Menius
Historic Preservation Commission
Application Date: 4/5/2016
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
BA and MA from UNC-CH in history 3.5 years as a public sector historian for NC Dept of Cultural
Resources: Historic Sites Sections Several peer reviewed history publications Special
concentration in history of the Regulators
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I have held a deep interest in the history of Orange County since childhood and conducted
original research into the Regulators for my baccalaureate honors thesis and on Scots economic
activities in late colonial Orange County in grad school. I consider O
Conflict of Interest:
Orange Unified Transportation Board
Application Date: 8/4/2022
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I served on the OUTboard for six years including one year as chair.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
To serve the community, represent the perspective of northern Orange and Little River
Township. I am personally concerned about unplanned, unchecked growth rather than well
managed development and preservation. Transportation planning involves expensive d
Conflict of Interest:
Orange Unified Transportation Board
Application Date: 10/6/2014
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have extensive experience in community economic development and community based
planning. In my work with Creative Carrboro, planning a proposed arts district, and with the
proposed Arts and Innovation Center I have worked closely with the Carrboro Plan
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I wish to represent the planning interests on the transportation board. In Orange, Chatham, and
Wilkes County, NC and Letcher County, KY, I have seen how transportation shapes and builds
strong communities OR undos them.
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 8/4/2022 Date Printed: 2/28/2025
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Page 1 of 2 Todd Dickinson
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Todd Dickinson
Name Called:
Home Address: 4606 Hunt Road
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 919-732-5439
Email: dicres@mindspring.com
Year of OC Residence: 1985
Township of Residence: Little River
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 60+
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Member of the Historic Preservation/Cultural History Subcommittee of the Eno River
Association; Preservation NC; Board Member of Friends of Moorefields; NC Botanic
Garden supporting member
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
OC Historic Preservation Commission (Past Chair)
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Historic Preservation Commission (APPLICANTS SHALL RESIDE WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
BA in History Dept. Duke University, 73; Associate degree in Historic Preservation Technology,
Durham Community College 79. Teacher of Historic Preservation Technology at Durham
Community College 80; President and owner of Dickinson Restorations, Inc 1983-2009 (Historic
Preservation Consulting and Contracting Firm); Stagville State Historic Site Support Board of
Directors and Past Chair 1990 s; Founding Member and then Chair of the OCHPC 1997 >> (with
some breaks); Member and Presenter: Association of Preservation Technology International
1979-2008+-; The restoration and preservation of antique structures has been my lifelong
occupation and avocation.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
Orange County has a rich cultural history. I have made it my life's work to help preserve the
heritage roots of America. Helping preserve the heritage of my county in its historic structures is
my civic duty and favorite contribution I can make to give back to the community.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
For the time I have served on this board, I have led its efforts to find qualified, interested
individuals from every corner of our society to serve. Our lack of success at finding folks of
various minorities and backgrounds is disappointing and somewhat reflects the slow involvement
by minorities in Historic Preservation and with backgrounds required to serve on this
commission. Recently the Indigenous and black descendants of early Orange County residents
are finding the time and inclination to become more involved in Historic Preservation (note
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Page 2 of 2 Todd Dickinson
Ribbons of Color by Beverly Scarlett, et al. published by the Eno River Association; recent
registrations and cataloging of Black cemeteries, by the OCHPC and others; and archaeological
investigations at Historic Moorefields looking at the lives previous Indigenous residents and of
enslaved people on the property, a trend I hope to continue to nourish.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Historic Preservation Commission (APPLICANTS SHALL RESIDE WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL
Application Date: 11/30/2016
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I am a graduate of the Durham Tech. Historic Preservation Program. Past member of the
Association for Preservation Technology. Past President of Dickinson Restorations, Inc. for 30
years, an Historic Preservation Contracting and consulting Co. Winner
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
I have an investment in the County Architectural book underway with the Board. Orange County
Historic Preservation is a priority in my life s work.
Conflict of Interest:
Other Comments:
STAFF COMMENTS: Reapplied for Historic Preservation Commission 3/29/2007.
Recommended to serve on the Justice Facilities Planning Process Task Force Design
Firm Selection Committee 9/1/01. Job Title: Historic Preservation Architect.
This application was current on: 2/25/2023 1:45:00 PM Date Printed: 2/28/2023
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Page 1 of 1 Carrie Bernier
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mrs. Carrie Bernier
Name Called:
Home Address: 1322 Ausling Way
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 630-805-0753
Email: dcbernie@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2019
Township of Residence: Cedar Grove
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
None at this time, I would like to get involved in the community.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None at this time, I am looking at my options.
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Historic Preservation Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have a passion for historic houses, my husband and I have renovated older houses.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I would like to learn more about the history around me and help to preserve the history in order
to give others the opportunity to learn.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I'm relatively new to the area, I enjoy discovering new things about history, I am not afraid to get
my hands dirty.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 1/29/2024 11:20:40 AM Date Printed: 1/29/2024
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Page 1 of 2 John Brown
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. John Brown
Name Called:
Home Address: 5900 Mount Sinai Rd.
Durham NC 27705
Phone: 860-993-9354
Email: JJBrown0058@att.net
Year of OC Residence: 2023
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Connecticut/Lodge #19.
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Planning Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have been working in IT organizations for several large businesses for over 30 years. This
work has allowed me to develop interpersonal communication and project management skills, as
well as fundamental understanding of what it means to be part of a team to be successful. My
BBA degree is Finance, and my MBA is in Marketing.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I have been interested in being more involved in my community for a while. This led me to join
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks when I lived in Connecticut. When my wife and I moved
back to her hometown (Durham)we built our home on her great grandparents' property, I have
been looking for a way to be more involved with our community.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
While my extended family has deep roots to the area, I bring a newcomer's perspective to work
for the future of our community. I recognize and appreciate the importance of traditions, as they
are the ribbons that tie one generation to the next.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Historic Preservation Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
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Page 2 of 2 John Brown
While living in Connecticut, I volunteered for the state chapter of the National History Day
committee. I participated as a judge for high school students submission for the state wide
competition and submission to the national competition. I am very passionate about history and
I feel this passion would be beneficial to the committee.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I enjoy history and believe that by preserving it for future generations is a window to our past
(right or wrong) and a lighthouse to our future.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
By being someone new to this part of our country, I would absorb the history of orange county.
Then from that perspective would contribute to what a visitor or new resident would like to learn
about their new community.
Fun fact, until I moved here, I didn t know about the Orange County Speedway and how Mr.
France wanted to build his next superspeedway here.
Also I didn t know that General Sherman accepted the remaining Confederate Army surrender at
Bennett Place.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
As child growing up, our town s park and recreation department provided a lot fun experiences to
me. While I am today a more passive participant(Pickleball and Golf), I believe that the county s
investment plays a big role in developing people and our community.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Really just looking to more involved and since I do participate in Pickleball program, I would like
give back some of my time.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
As a new resident, I would bring that perspective to the committee.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 7/9/2024 5:53:20 PM Date Printed: 7/12/2024
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Page 1 of 2 Kristofer Cason
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Kristofer Cason
Name Called:
Home Address: 5016 Whyteleafe Ct.
Chapel Hill NC 27514
Phone: 704-609-6192
Email: logancason1@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2021
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Adjunct Faculty at Durham Technical Community College (not my primary occupation, just
something I do to stay connected with the community)
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
In my life, I have worked in both government and retail sectors. I also started a fully licensed
brewery in 2017.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I am very eager to serve this community of Orange County. I really like it here, and I want to do
my part to keep it great! I have applied to several boards whenever they become available.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I am an ABC customer maybe once per month, so I think I can bring a perspective of many
people like me.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Historic Preservation Commission
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I studied history in college (UNC Charlotte, 2008 & 2012), and I have been a passionate history
learner my entire life.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
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Page 2 of 2 Kristofer Cason
I think learning history is incredibly important for society. Not knowing about what happened
before you is to always remain a child. (Cicero, I think). I think it s important to understand the
context of history and many perspectives in the world to appreciate your own place in society.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
Lately, I ve been focused on learning local history, specifically about the first peoples, from Paleo-
Indians to the modern day descendants of local tribes. It s a challenge because so much of their
history is unwritten and so many of the people were lost to disease and oppression.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
We recently purchased a 2-acre property in Orange County, and I ve been learning a lot about
stewardship of the land, both from an environmental perspective as well as an aesthetic one. I
was really excited about the new Blackwood Farm Park, and I love the new architecture there. I
also participated in the OC bee group that took care of the bees there.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
I want to help create more experiences and spaces for people to learn about and appreciate our
environment.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I like to think in really practical terms about how what the government does benefits the people it
serves. I want to ask how does it serve the people of Orange County?
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 3/21/2024 9:15:14 AM Date Printed: 3/22/2024
17
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Historic Preservation Commission
Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Fourth Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Peter Sandbeek&Abby Mattingly
Meeting Place: 1020 HWY 70 W,Hillsborough,NC 27278 Contact Phone: 919-245-2510
Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Description: Appointments are made for three years. The majority of the members of the commission shall have demonstrated special
interest,experience or education in history,architecture,landscape architecture,archaeology,or related fields.This
commission is charged with undertaking an inventory of properties of historical,prehistorical,architectural,and/or cultural
significance.It recommends areas to be designated or removed as"historic districts"and reviews and acts upon proposals for
alterations,demolition,new construction,etc. APPLICATANTS MUST RESIDE WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL
JURISDICTION OF ORANGE COUNTY. To learn more,visit this web address:
www.co.orange.nc.us/ercd/conunissions/hpc.htm
Cecelia Moore
1 First Appointed: 10/05/2021
Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 03/19/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2
Mr. Eric Deetz
2 First Appointed: 09/17/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/17/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Mr. Rob Golan
3 First Appointed: 06/18/2024
Gender Identity: Male Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 06/18/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2027
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Carol Ann Lewald
4 First Appointed: 10/15/2024
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 10/15/2024
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Dr. Anne Whisnant
5 First Appointed: 03/21/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/21/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Friday,February 28,2025 Page 1
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Historic Preservation Commission
Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Fourth Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Peter Sandbeek&Abby Mattingly
Meeting Place: 1020 HWY 70 W,Hillsborough,NC 27278 Contact Phone: 919-245-2510
Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Art Menius
6 Chair First Appointed: 03/21/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Little River Current Appointment: 03/21/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2025
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Todd Dickinson
7 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 03/21/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Little River Current Appointment: 03/21/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2025
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Friday,February 28,2025 Page 2
19
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: Peter Sandbeck&Abby Mattingl
Historic Preservation Commission Contact Phone: 919-245-2510
Mrs. Carrie Bernier
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/29/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Cedar Grove
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Mr. John Brown
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 07/09/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Mr. Kristofer Cason
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 03/21/2024
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Friday,February 28,2025 Page 1 of 1
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NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Historic Preservation Commission
Report Period: 2024
ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
ANNUAL REPORT /WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Board/Commission Name: Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
Person to address the BOCC at Retreat (if requested) and contact information:
Chair: Art Menius (443) 605-4355 email: art artmenius.com
Primary County Staff Contact:
Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation
Peter Sandbeck (Cultural Resources Coordinator): 245-2517 psandbeck@orangecountync.gov
How many times per month does this commission meet, including any special meetings
and sub-committee meetings?
Regular meeting: one each month (4th Wednesday)
Brief Statement of Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities.
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with the identification, inventory and protection
of architectural and archaeological sites in the County, with publishing and/or offering online records of
this inventory and advising the Board of County Commissioners on matters pertaining to historic
preservation. The HPC is also charged with providing guidance and a forum for public comments on
National Register nominations and administering the Local Landmark Program.
What are your Commission's most important accomplishments?
• National Register Nomination Projects:
1. Strayhorn House: initiated a project to list this important Carrboro landmark, built 1879 for
former slaves Toney and Nellie Strayhorn, on the National Register. Formed partnership
with Preservation Chapel Hill to help obtain funding for project. Project consultant submitted
the draft nomination to the State Historic Preservation Office in November, 2024, with
approval expected in 2025.
2. Andrews House: initiated a project to prepare a National Register nomination for this
remarkable Modernist house in Chapel Hill Township, built in 1968 and now owned by
daughter of the original owner. House was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and
built by prominent local Black stone artisans Alf and Willis Barbee.
3. Ridge Road School: In February 2024, the Ridge Road School was officially listed on the
National Register, marking the successful completion of a two-year effort. The two-room
schoolhouse was built in 1932 to serve the Black children of the Ridge Road community,
north of Hillsborough.
• Initiated the HPC's first historic preservation easement project: worked with Lands Legacy
program on project to accept proposed donation of an historic preservation easement for the
Henry Calvin Andrews House, a mid-19th century log house and farmstead in Bingham
Township, as part of a County project to place a land conservation easement on the property.
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• Landmark evaluation process update: members worked on revising and updating the HPC's
evaluation criteria to make the landmark process more inclusive and open for non-traditional
historic resources associated with underrepresented communities.
• Enhanced educational opportunities for HPC members: members attended educational field
trips to learn more about the diverse historic resources in the county. Four HPC members also
attended a day-long training workshop held by the State Historic Preservation Office.
List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually.
• Submits annual report of all preservation activities to the State Historic Preservation Office to
meet federal requirements needed to maintain the County's status as Certified Local
Government. This allows the County to apply for federal grants for historic preservation activities
• Partners with local history groups to hold/assist in producing educational and informational
programs that encourage and promote historic preservation as a tool to preserve and enhance
community character and embrace a more inclusive view of history.
• Administers the Orange County Historic Landmark Program, including reviews of proposed
restoration work or additions through Certificates of Appropriateness.
• Promotes the use of National Register designation projects as a way to highlight significant
historic and archaeological resources, working in partnership with the Lands Legacy Program.
• Annual review of Outside Agency grant applications from non-profit organizations seeking
county funding assistance for historical or cultural programs and projects.
• Conducts reviews of proposed new public infrastructure projects that might have an impact on
historic resources, including cell towers, pipelines and transportation projects>
Describe this commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC
goal(s)/priorities, if applicable.
Goal Two: Promote an interactive and transparent system of governance that reflects
community values.
Priority 7: Improve intra-and intergovernmental coordination, cooperation and collaboration.
• The HPC and the Town of Hillsborough worked together to establish a joint review process
for projects affecting cultural resources. The HPC has entered into discussion with several
owners of historic properties in various ETJ's to explore the feasibility of designating historic
landmarks in the ETJ's through the process of interlocal agreements.
• The HPC is partnering with the Orange County Human Relations Commission (HRC) on a
joint project to develop a commemorative marker for the burial ground for enslaved workers
at the Blackwood Farm Park; this is envisioned as a prototype for a larger effort to
commemorate the many other such burial grounds across the county—most now unmarked.
Goal Three: Implement planning and economic development policies which create a
balanced, dynamic local economy, and which promote diversity, sustainable growth and
enhanced revenue while embracing community values.
• The HPC's major activities (Historic Landmarks, historic resource inventory and mapping
and education/public programs) provide support and input for a range of planning and
heritage tourism initiatives that help ensure that historic preservation becomes more
inclusive and is integrated into the county's planning process to protect historic resources.
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• When completed, the Historic Resources Book will have a positive impact on cultural
resource and heritage tourism in the county. The promotion and sales of the new book can
be used to highlight our many historic resources and sites of cultural significance.
Goal Five: Create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that includes clean water,
clean air, wildlife, important natural lands and sustainable energy for present and future
generations.
Priority 15: Complete stewardship and management plans for Lands Legacy.
• The HPC has been actively involved in the stabilization and ongoing preservation work of
the historic buildings at the County's park sites, with a special focus on Blackwood Farm
Park. The collective expertise of HPC members and staff are of great value in helping the
County preserve its important historic structures parks and elsewhere.
Identify any activities this commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate to
established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e.,
funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities?
• Ridge Road School Preservation: obtain funding through outside grants and from the county
to assist the property owners in a project carry out essential preservation work to stabilize
the exterior of this historic two-room Black school.
• Continue to increase diversity in the Landmark and National Register Programs: The HPC
will focus on designating additional diverse historic resources for Landmark and National
Register programs (No fiscal impact—already budgeted in the Lands Legacy budget)
• Commemorative Marker for the Burial Ground for Enslaved Workers at Blackwood Farm
Park: The HPC is partnering with the OC Human Relations Commission on a project to
establish a permanent stone marker(s) at the burial ground. This will be a prototype for a
planned larger effort to identify and protect other unmarked rural burial grounds.
• Historic Resources Book Project: Working with book designers and production editor on final
selection of 500-plus photo illustrations and developing captions. Book design work is
scheduled to begin in early 2025. (No fiscal impact—county share budgeted in past years)
• Increase awareness of Archaeological Resources: The HPC will pursue educational and
landmark/National Register designation projects to raise public awareness about
archaeological resources, with an Indian sites and features (No fiscal impact)
• Old Courthouse Preservation Project: the HPC advises on the upcoming project to preserve
and restore the Old Orange County Courthouse. Architect selection is now underway, under
supervision of AMS staff, with planning work to be carried out in FY 2025-26. HPC members
will help review/advise throughout the project (C/P Funds already approved for planning).
• North Carolina Celebration of the USA 250th Anniversary: The HPC is continuing to
participate in the local planning process for the 250th anniversary of the American
Revolution in 2025-2026, under the leadership of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors
Bureau. (No fiscal impact during planning stages)
What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming
year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention?
Abandoned Black burial grounds: There are numerous abandoned informal Black burial
grounds scattered across the county, many of which contain the burials of those who were
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enslaved. These are often unmarked or poorly marked and known only to neighboring
landowners, genealogists or elderly descendants of those buried in these sacred places.
The HPC will seek funding for a project to identify, research, and protect these burial
grounds, using a variety of tools including surveying/marking boundaries, fencing, and
permanent interpretive markers.
• Establish a small grant program to help preserve endangered rural historic resources:
The HPC seeks funding to establish a small-scale grant program to assist owners with
essential preservation work. Numerous endangered rural historic cemeteries and structures,
such as old schoolhouses and outbuildings, merit preservation or protection or they will soon
be lost. The HPC will pursue grant funding to help start this program, with some level of
County funding, to address the following resources:
• Abandoned Black burial grounds
• Historic Black schoolhouses
• Historic farm buildings
County historic marker program: The HPC plans to move forward to explore the feasibility
and costs of a county-wide historic and cultural marker program, modeled on similar
programs in other areas that utilize both physical markers and/or map-driven web sites
and/or phone apps. A marker program is a way to provide accurate historical content in an
accessible/interactive format about cultural resources, places and people of significance to
our local communities, especially the underrepresented. This should be developed in
collaboration with our partners in local government. (No fiscal impact at this time)
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