About Preservation Chapel Hill

​Preservation Chapel Hill is dedicated to protecting the character and heritage of the Town of Chapel Hill, and the surrounding community, through the preservation and conservation of its historic buildings and cultural landscapes.
To achieve our mission, our approach is three-fold:
Preserve, Advocate, Educate

PRESERVE

Preservation Chapel Hill is dedicated to protecting the character and heritage of the Town of Chapel Hill, and the surrounding community, through the preservation and conservation of its historic buildings and cultural landscapes.

ADVOCATE

We advocate for preservation initiatives by encouraging projects that balance the need for development and growth with the desire to retain our historic resources. We work with partners in economic development, heritage tourism, public education, and local government to ensure a voice for historic preservation is present in the decision-making process.

EDUCATE

We educate the public and our partners about what historic preservation is, why it matters, and how it can be a tool to achieve our community's goals. The field of historic preservation has developed and changed over the last fifty years, and we are a resource for understanding its role in today's society.

Our History

The mid-twentieth century saw many changes in Chapel Hill, including the loss of several historic buildings. In 1972, the impending demolition of the Mickle-Mangum-Smith House spurred Ida Friday and Georgia Kyser into action. The two long-time residents of Chapel Hill worked with historic preservation pioneer Robert Stipe to form the Chapel Hill Preservation Society. In 1973, the fledgling organization purchased, restored, and resold the Mickle-Mangum-Smith House - the first of many preservation success stories.

​

The organization grew quickly and soon required a headquarters. The University offered to lease the Horace Williams House to the group in 1973. After a $100,000 restoration project, the Chapel Hill Preservation Society finally had a place to call home.

​

Since its founding, the organization has worked diligently to preserve Chapel Hill's historic resources, advocate for preservation initiatives, and educate homeowners about caring for their historic homes. Now called Preservation Chapel Hill, the organization remains dedicated to protecting historic architecture and cultural landscapes in the twenty-first century. With the new and swift growth Chapel Hill is experiencing in the past few years, the call for preservation is even more important. It is up to newer generations to be its steward.

SUPPORT PCH WITH FUNDING

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with no outside funding. Supporting our preservation intiatives by making a tax-deductible donation helps us with our core mission: To Preserve, Advocate and Educate the community about preservation.

Click below to make a one-time tax deductible donation to Preservation Chapel Hill

BECOME A MEMBER

Membership with Preservation Chapel Hill allows you to provide direct support for operating expenses, cultural programs and preservation projects.

Membership Levels
(annual donation):

​

• Sustainer ($1,000)

• Benefactor ($500)

• Patron ($250)

• Donor ($150)

• Household ($75)

• Individual ($50)

SUPPORT PCH

WITH 

INVESTMENTS

Through investment, asset, and other non-cash gifts, PCH has been able to offer annual programs (such as the Baroque and Beyond music series), restore major aspects of the Horace Williams House, and expand archival storage capabilities. 

​

We are happy to work with you or your financial advisors to find a creative way to continue your support of our program.

Who is PCH?

Preservation Chapel Hill is run by Staff, Volunteers, and an elected Board of Trustees. For information about working with PCH, email info@preservationchapelhill.org

Board of Trustees

Board terms are for three years and officer terms are for one year. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please complete the Board Candidate Application and submit it to mka@preservationchapelhill.org or to our office at the Horace Williams House, 610 East Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC  27514.

Staff