CUPOLA HOUSE GETS PLASTERED

Visitors to the Cupola House restoration project may notice scaffolding, tools, and workers throughout the historic landmark, but much of the most important work is taking place overhead and behind the scenes.

A team from Preservation Works Ltd., specialists in traditional plaster and masonry restoration, is currently applying historically appropriate plaster finishes throughout the house as part of the ongoing restoration effort. The craftsmen have traveled from Pennsylvania and Florida to complete the highly specialized work. The plaster restoration follows the recent reinstallation of historic woodwork by the team led by preservation artisan Andrew Ownbey, marking another major milestone in the ongoing restoration of one of Edenton's most iconic historic homes.

According to Preservation Works master plasterer Patrick Webb, the process involves much more than simply repairing walls and ceilings.

"Our goal is to create a seamless finish throughout the house while respecting nearly 270 years of history," Webb said. "Every room presents different challenges because we're blending original materials with repairs and renovations from different periods, but when we're finished, visitors will see a beautiful, unified result."

The Cupola House, built in 1758, has undergone numerous repairs and renovations over the centuries. As a result, the restoration team is carefully integrating new lime-based plaster with materials added during later restoration efforts, including work completed during the twentieth century.

"The final finish will be a traditional lime-based plaster and lime wash, very similar to what would have been used when the Cupola House was built in 1758," Webb said. "It's a process that takes time, but it's the right way to preserve a building of this significance."

The restoration project providing valuable hands-on experience for future preservation professionals. Among those assisting on the project is Robert Mason, a student at the American College of the Building Arts, one of the nation's few colleges dedicated to teaching traditional building crafts.

Mason learned about the project through a professors and traveled to Edenton to spend several weeks working alongside experienced preservation crafstmen.

"I've always been interested in historic buildings, and projects like this show how much skill and knowledge goes into preserving them correctly," Mason said. "Every day here has been a learning experience."

The plaster restoration is expected to take approximately four to five weeks to complete. Once finished, the work will provide an important foundation for the continued restoration of the Cupola House, helping ensure that one of Edenton's most treasured landmarks remains preserved for future generations.

As restoration moves on, the project serves as another reminder that preserving history often depends on the expertise of craftsmen whose skills connect today's communities with the techniques and traditions of the past.  

As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, residents and visitors in Edenton will have the opportunity to take part in a special ceremony honoring the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the men whose courage helped shape a new nation.

The Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will host a commemorative July 4th Celebration at 10 a.m. on the Historic Courthouse Green, adjacent to the Joseph Hewes Monument. The event will feature a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a wreath-laying ceremony, and historical presentations recognizing one of North Carolina's most important Revolutionary-era figures.

The ceremony is especially meaningful in 2026 as the United States marks the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776. Throughout the country, communities are reflecting on the principles of liberty, self-government, and civic responsibility that formed the foundation of the nation.

A highlight of the program will be a presentation by Robert Leath, Executive Director of the Edenton Historical Commission, who will provide a biographical sketch of Joseph Hewes. Often referred to as one of North Carolina's most influential Founding Fathers, Hewes was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a delegate to the Continental Congress. Historians frequently credit him as a key figure in the development of the Continental Navy, earning him recognition as one of the nation's early naval architects.

Although names such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin are familiar to most Americans, Hewes played a critical role in the nation's founding and remains one of Edenton's most distinguished historical figures. His monument overlooking Edenton Bay serves as a reminder of the town's deep connection to the Revolutionary War era and America's fight for independence.

Following Leath's remarks, the Declaration of Independence will be read by retired North Carolina Senator Bob Steinburg. 

The ceremony will also include a wreath-laying tribute in honor of the patriots who sacrificed for American independence. Organizers hope the event will encourage residents and visitors alike to reflect on the significance of the nation's founding and the enduring importance of civic engagement.

The July 4th program is one of several events taking place throughout Edenton's Independence Day celebration.

The public is invited to attend the free ceremony and participate in this historic observance. Set against the backdrop of the Historic Courthouse Green and the Joseph Hewes Monument, the event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Edenton's Revolutionary heritage while celebrating one of the most important milestones in American history.

For those seeking a deeper appreciation of the town's role in the nation's founding, the ceremony promises to be both educational and inspiring, honoring the legacy of Joseph Hewes and the ideals that continue to unite Americans 250 years later.

Looking across Edenton harbor on July 4, spectators will view a parade of vessels over a dozen entries are anticipated, resembling everything from wooden skiffs, to possible floating cakes propelled by two kayak paddlers. Paddlers is the key word here as all vessels are to be manually powered.  

Adding to the excitement, the Stars, Stripes and Floating Tea Party Costume Parade is a patriotic on the water event combining creativity, history and a boat load – many boat loads of fun.  

The event is the brainchild of Harbor Town Cruises Managing Director Ted Warren. Warren has expressed numerous times his position is not to make a profit for Harbor Town, but to bring more visitors to Edenton to enjoy the town, its retail, restaurants and historic attractions before or after cruising on the Queen.

The event could be one of the most unique and entertaining events of the holiday weekend to take to the Bay.

Scheduled as part of Edenton’s July 4 festivities, the parade challenges participants to decorate and launch anything that floats—from kayaks and paddle boards to canoes, inflatables, and other imaginative watercraft. There could be a boat building company in someone’s future. Participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic costumes and embrace the spirit of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

The event playfully references one of the most famous acts of protest leading up to the American Revolution—the Boston Tea Party—while adding an unmistakably Edenton twist. Organizers are also encouraging participants to earn extra points by incorporating references to Edenton’s own place in history, including the 1774 Edenton Tea Party, widely recognized as one of the earliest organized political actions by women in the American colonies.

“This is a chance for families, friends, and community groups to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a way that’s uniquely Edenton,” Warren said. “We want to see creativity, patriotism, and a little bit of humor on the water.”

The costume parade will benefit the Edenton-Chowan Optimist Club’s July 4th Celebration, helping support the organization’s efforts to provide family-friendly Independence Day activities for the community.

Adding to the excitement is a grand prize that promises to make waves long after the parade ends. The winner will receive a private chartered cruise aboard the Albemarle Queen, valued at $2,000. The prize can be transferred for fundraising purposes or used for private celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, or special events.

The Albemarle Queen, one of the most recognizable sights on Edenton Bay, serves as the backdrop for the event and highlights the town’s strong connection to its waterfront heritage.

Participants of all ages are encouraged to join the fun, whether competing for prizes or simply enjoying a festive afternoon on the water. Spectators can expect colorful costumes, creatively decorated vessels, patriotic themes, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate both Edenton’s rich history and America’s milestone anniversary.

The event is sponsored by Harbor Town Cruises with support from other community partners.

Registration information and event rules are available through Harbor Town Cruises. Interested participants can contact organizers at 844-IBX-BOATor by email at info@harbortowns.org.

As fireworks, parades, and celebrations fill the July 4 schedule, the Floating Tea Party promises to be one of the most memorable—and distinctly Edenton—ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on the water.

The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on July 4.