FEATURING THE 21 FLAG SALUTE
EDENTON WELCOMES SEMINAR PRESERVATIONISTS
THe CUPOLA HOUSE FLAGS PAY HOMAGE TO THE NATION'S 250
THE PARADING FENCE OF FLAGS
Tom and Huck would be proud of what you can do with a fence.
Passers by the Cupola House on their way to the water may want to slow down and read the wonderful description of the flags on display as the Cupola House Association once again created another enjoyable educational venue, this time on the fence surrounding the currently blooming gardens, fresh with tulips and other spring heritage flowers. For the full display of flags and description click the link below. Then parade by the Cupola House Fence of Flags...The flags were fenced by a group of volunteers. Board member Michael Tracey designed and created the display boxes featuring the history of each flag.
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Preservation SEMINAR preview
Out with the new, in with the old
This weekend, March 20 and 21, the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation and the Edenton Historical Commission with support from the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation are hosting a two day Preservation Conference in Edenton, entitled ‘Innovating Preservation in Small-Town America’.
One hundred twenty five guests, both local and from around the country, will have the opportunity to hear preservationists speak on Edenton’s most respected historical projects. Executive Director, Edenton Historical Commission Robert Leath with coordination by Patti Mordecai, Director of Marketing, Development & Community Events, have a packed two day schedule of international and domestic speakers on key historical homes and structures in Edenton. Down East Preservation founder, Dawson Tyler; restoration contractor Andrew Ownbey; and Robert Leath will be speaking on historic properties that they have been deeply involved in restoring.
‘The seminar highlights how small towns can be real centers of innovation in historic preservation, and Edenton is leading the way,” said Robert. “Preservationists throughout the region want to see what we are accomplishing with Kadesh Church, Cupola House, and Hayes. And learn how it will benefit Edenton and its economy.”
Founded in 1712 as North Carolina’s first colonial capital, the first day of the conference will focus on two of NC earliest buildings, the 1758 Cupola House with original woodwork newly returned from the Brooklyn museum and the Kadesh AME Zion Church.
Day two will focus on Hayes Farm. Hayes has been the focus on investigations by a team of architectural and scientific experts with discoveries that will guide the property’s future restoration.
“It is an honor for Edenton to host international speakers focusing on Edenton at a national level,” said Robert. “Recent findings will be shared by 12 international speakers at this special two-day event.”
Tickets are sold-out however the April/May issue of the Edenton Social Light will feature the conference presentations. Edenton is honored to have such a distinguished group of scholars and historians meeting in Edenton to discuss its’ historical value to American history. This conference is Edenton’s introduction at a national level to the world of historic preservation.
GOOD NEWS OFTEN
BEN PROSKY TO OFFER OPENING REMARKS, SATURDAY
Benjamin Prosky became President of the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation in 2023. With a degree in Urban Studies from Vassar College, followed by graduate work in Urban Planning at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Prosky has devoted his career to a range of projects dedicated to the promotion and interpretation of architecture and design. Previously he served for seven years as the Executive Director of American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) and the Center for Architecture. He has held prior leadership roles at several prestigious academic institutions, serving as Assistant Dean for Communications at Harvard University Graduate School of Design and Director of Special Events and External Affairs at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. A Native New Yorker, Prosky divides his time between Brooklyn and Woodstock, New York.
A SIX SPEAKER PREVIEW OF THE TWELVE SPEAKER AT THE EVENT
Blue Skies & Bell Towers, Dawson Tyler Raises Kadesh Tower
Founder of Down East Preservation, Dawson Tyler will be speaking at the Preservation Seminar on the completion of the restoration of Kadesh Church. Over the past three years, DEP has work tirelessly in reconstructing the beloved church, originally built in 1897, by the former enslaved carpenter, Hannibal Badham and his family of carpenters. The Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church on Grace Street was severely damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The destruction was so monumental, the building was rendered unusable. Edenton’s most revered African American cultural asset was in danger. It is one of Edenton’s most prized architectural buildings not only for its structural design, but for its provenance. Its endurance and resilience to overcoming mother nature’s challenges are symbolic to all those who realize Kadesh is more than a house of worship, it is sacred ground.
Across the country, there is a national effort to restore historic properties including buildings and important historic homes. As Edenton refines its historic preservation positioning within the national historic preservation efforts, so has Down East Preservation vision been refocused on the future. Dawson is positioning the DEP for long term growth. “Most of the restoration companies we will be competing with are located in Charleston and Boston,” said Dawson. “If you look at the eastern seaboard, we are uniquely located in the center”. For the full story on Down East Preservation future growth plans - Read Edenton Social Light’s Spring issue on news stands April 13th.
Eagles & Arrows Furnishing Hayes with Robert Leath
Finding someone with an understanding of Colonial and early American History, combined with an extensive and distinguished career in both historic preservation and curatorial leadership could have posed a challenge for most municipalities with numerous national treasures under renovation.
Not so for Edenton. Enter Robert Leath.
Edenton resident Robert Leath is a historic preservationist who has spent his career polishing gems, many set on top of stone.
His talent, expertise and watchful eye in the areas of historic preservation are world renowned. His attention to detail and his research into the provenance of the projects he touches repeatedly receive high praise.
He has been focused, since moving to Edenton three years ago, on restoring, renovating and essentially polishing Edenton’s future, it’s historic past.
As the Executive Director of the Edenton Historical Commission and Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation, Robert leads and closely collaborates with a team of expert artisans, historians, craftsman and consultants. Under his leadership the group has turned historic town dwelling restorations into architectural and cultural advanced history lessons for already well versed historians.
Leath oversees the restoration activities of town’s historic sites that span the better part of two centuries. These include the 1758 Cupola House, the Kadesh Church and Hayes Farm.
Under Leath’s direction, Edenton’s preservation efforts will continue to be a part of the current national effort of preserving the past for future generations.
Fancy Cupola House Discoveries with Andrew Ownbey
Andrew Ownbey specializes in building restoration based in Eastern North Carolina focused on 18th and 19th century structures. Working closely with Robert Leath, the team has made many historical discoveries of eye opening treasures. He will be highlighting those finds as he offers insight into the project.
“The Cupola House had been described as “Jacobean.” But dendrochronology dates of 1757/59 forced us to take a second look. In fact, many of the house’s architectural features relate to the fashionable design trends of the 1750s, Said Ownbey. “Taken all together, the rusticated facade with a center gable, ocular window, and graduated brackets from plain to carved with turned finials, swept eaves, swelled end gable facia and an octagonal cupola, made the Cupola House exterior fancy and whimsical, a la mode with a hotch-potch of pattern book-derived motifs that were both classical and exotic.” Edenton Social Light’s spring issue, on news stands April 17, will feature more details from Andrew on his discoveries.
FRANCES FORD
MICHAEL WORTHINGTON
Frances Henderson Ford has both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Historic Preservation (College of Charleston, 2003; University of Pennsylvania, 2006). She has had a long-standing interest in materials conservation, and in graduate school concentrated in that area, particularly the field of paint and ornamental plaster conservation. She currently works an as independent conservator as well as heading conservation initiatives for Richard Marks Restoration, a nationally known restoration contracting company based in Charleston. In addition to her work focusing on historic interiors, she is much in demand for her skills in cemetery restoration and stone conservation, and has been entrusted with the repair of some of the oldest graves in Charleston.
Frances is an active scholar as well as a practitioner, and has participated in conferences up and down the east coast, as well as internationally, most recently presenting at the 2nd Historic Mortars Conference in Prague, Czech Republic. She has a long-standing interest in the important 19th-century Philadelphia marble mason, John Struthers, and has presented a paper on the Struthers tomb of George Washington at Mount Vernon. She continues to research and document the work of Struthers and his company. She serves as conservation lecturer and laboratory manager for the Clemson/College of Graduate Program in Historic Preservation teaching HP 810 Conservation Lab, HP 811 Advanced Architectural Conservation and HP 819 Investigation, Documentation and Conservation.
MICHAEL WORTHINGTON
MICHAEL WORTHINGTON
MICHAEL WORTHINGTON
Michael Worthington is a dendrochronologist with extensive experience working on both sides of the Atlantic. Among the many buildings he has dated are Mount Vernon in Virginia; the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams in Massachusetts; the Josiah Henson Site ("Uncle Tom's Cabin") in Maryland; Drayton Hall in South Carolina; the Officers’ Club at the Presidio in San Francisco, California; and Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London in the U.K. He began his career in buildings as an industrial archaeologist at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum in Shropshire, England. After deciding to specialize in dendrochronology, he received his academic training at Oxford University through a grant from English Heritage. At Oxford he was a member of staff at the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art and an assistant tutor on the master's degree course in Archaeological Science. As a co-founder and partner in the Oxford Dendrochronology Laboratory, he spent more than a decade building a series of base chronologies for historic buildings in America. Upon moving full-time to the United States in 2010, Michael opened the Oxford Tree-Ring Laboratory. He currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland..
HAMZAH JULE
MICHAEL WORTHINGTON
MICHAEL WORTHINGTON
Last summer , Hamzah Jule, M.S. Candidate, Clemson University, was interning with the Edenton Historical Commission, where he contributed to the documentation of the Oldest House in North Carolina. His work includes photo documentation and 3D laser scanning to support the development of a framing diagram that captures the building’s structural elements. The resulting data will help inform future preservation efforts and provide valuable insight into the house’s current condition.
UPCOMING EVENTS WORTH NOTING
Bowersox at the Peanut Factory
American Idol Crystal Bowersox live in Edenton
Here’s your opportunity to listen live to American Idol Crystal Bowersox. An American singer-songwriter, independent mom and author. After placing 2nd on American Idol in 2010, Crystal has been touring nationally and lives in Nashville, TN.
As a young girl Crystal love of music was an important part of her young chaotic life. Her music, has always provided her solace. At the young age of 17, Crystal, left her hometown in Northwest Ohio and ventured to Chicago, IL.. She performed and developed much of her music style on the subway platforms between working odd jobs and performed at variety of venues.
Born and raised in Northwest Ohio, Crystal Bowersox is an American singer-songwriter, independent mom, Type One Diabetes advocate and now, author. She has been a nationally touring artist since placing 2nd on American Idol in 2010.
In 2022, Crystal became a mother of two after choosing to adopt her niece, Piper, following the loss of her sister. She was inspired to write a story to exemplify the ability of women to pursue their passions while simultaneously creating loving homes. She has also used her talents to bring attention to her mission that is close to her heart and has become an inspiration for people living with Type 1, diabetes.
Bowersox’s music has been defined as tender and tough, rough yet polished and encompasses many genres without falling neatly into one.
In 2010, her debut album, “Farmer’s Daughter” was released on Jive Records and since, she has since released 3 LP’s, two EPs, several singles, and is currently developing a theatrical rock concert titled, “Trauma Queen”. Crystal has recorded and performed alongside several notable names and additionally, has used her voice and talents to benefit several organizations close to her heart.
Join the Peanut Factory on Saturday, March 21, Peanut Factory is located at 916 Badham Rd., Edenton. Tickets $25. per person.
EASELS in the GARDEN RETURNS
Easels in the Garden is a biennial art and garden fundraiser event sponsored by the Cupola House Association, featuring en plein air artists from Edenton and around the region painting in private gardens and public spaces. The event has grown since its start in 2012 and this year will feature 46 en plein air artists will be painting at a dozen private homes and public buildings.
The artists and their work will be on display and available for purchase by ticketed guests at the Saturday evening Garden Party.
If you have not purchased your tickets for this favorite spring-time event that supports the efforts of Cupola House, purchase tickets at: https://cupolahouse.org/ and tickets may be available the day of the event at the Cupola registration.
Pick up a copy of the Edenton Social Light in the Red News Boxes on S. Broad St. for more on this beautiful event.
FARMERS MARKET SPRING FESTIVAL
The Marcus Jackson Project
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION AND FIELD DAY EVENT
The Chowan Community Funds Foundation is a family of philanthropic funds, source of grants for local causes, and partner for donors. The Marcus Jackson Project was a grantee of the Chowan Community Funds Foundation. We encourage the community to become involved with their organization that supports community efforts to decrease community violence.
The Marcus Jackson Project was founded in 2019 by the mother of Marcus Jackson. Marcus was murdered in his home in 2019. The goal of MJP is to spread awareness of the violence epidemic while offering support to individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by violence.
Nicole Elliott, Marcus’ mother, is a current CCFF board member. She says, “Serving on the Chowan Community Funds Foundation Board has been a meaningful experience. As the founder of the Marcus Jackson Project, a non-profit organization focusing on decreasing community violence, I am grateful to collocate with others who are committed to strengthening our community by supporting efforts that promote prevention, healing and opportunity.”
MJP is having a Community Conversation and Field Day event on March 21. The discussion will take place at the COA Culinary Building, 118 Blades St. from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.. The field day will be 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Earn hart Field, 1366 N. Broad St. Edenton.
Belhaven Memorial Museum Project
Belhaven Memorial Museum
The Belhaven Memorial Museum is a non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, display and preserve historical and cultural artifacts and objects and to stimulate and encourage interest and support of the history, art, science and culture of the Belhaven area of Beaufort County, and of Eastern North Carolina as a whole. The museum builds upon the original collection of Mrs. Eva Blount Way (1869-1962). The museum is currently undergoing renovations and is accepting donations to help make the building open and accessible to the public once again.
Experience an Exclusive Evening at the Belhaven Memorial Museum
Saturday, March 28 | 6–9 PM | Spoon River Event Hall
Sip, mingle, and be part of our community as we unveil the museum’s exciting next chapter. Enjoy refreshments, great company, and a first look at what’s to come!
Tickets: $100
Reserve yours now at belhavenmuseum.org or through the Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce.
Don’t miss this unforgettable night—spaces are limited!
A SUNNY March 14 SATURDAY DOWNTOWN
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES AT THE FARMERS MARKET
Edenton Hot Dog Company, TWO DOGS BETTER THAN ONE
SPRING FLOWERS FROM THE PARK
FRESH LETTUCES & BABY SPINACH. GREENHOUSE GROWN LOCALLY
FRESH LETTUCES & BABY SPINACH. GREENHOUSE GROWN LOCALLY
FRESH LETTUCES & BABY SPINACH. GREENHOUSE GROWN LOCALLY
FRESH LETTUCES & BABY SPINACH. GREENHOUSE GROWN LOCALLY
VISITORS FROM WILLIAMSTON
FRESH LETTUCES & BABY SPINACH. GREENHOUSE GROWN LOCALLY
A GREAT SPOT TO READ THE SOCIAL LIGHT
A GREAT SPOT TO READ THE SOCIAL LIGHT
FRESH LETTUCES & BABY SPINACH. GREENHOUSE GROWN LOCALLY
A GREAT SPOT TO READ THE SOCIAL LIGHT
UPCOMING EVENTS
EASTER EGG HUNT SET ON THE TOWN GREEN
EASTER EGG HUNT SET ON THE TOWN GREEN
EASTER EGG HUNT SET ON THE TOWN GREEN
VOLUNTEER SEASON IS UPON US
EASTER EGG HUNT SET ON THE TOWN GREEN
EASTER EGG HUNT SET ON THE TOWN GREEN
ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
EASTER EGG HUNT SET ON THE TOWN GREEN
ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
Weather Update- March 13 - 19
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, March 20 — Thursday, March 26, 2026
Friday
🌤️ Partly sunny and mild
High: ~66°F • Low: ~45°F
A pleasant start with filtered sunshine.
Saturday
☀️ Sunny and warm
High: ~72°F • Low: ~50°F
Beautiful early spring conditions.
Sunday
🌦️ Increasing clouds with showers late
High: ~70°F • Low: ~55°F
Rain chances develop toward evening.
Monday
🌧️ Showers likely, breezy
High: ~68°F • Low: ~48°F
Periods of rain with a passing front.
Tuesday
🌤️ Partly sunny and cooler
High: ~60°F • Low: ~42°F
Drier air moves in behind the front.
Wednesday
☀️ Sunny and seasonable
High: ~64°F • Low: ~44°F
Calm and comfortable mid-week weather.
Thursday
🌤️ Mostly sunny and mild
High: ~68°F • Low: ~48°F
A gradual warming trend continues.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
A classic spring pattern continues across Edenton this week, beginning with warm and pleasant conditions Friday and Saturday. Clouds increase Sunday as rain chances return late, followed by a showery and breezy Monday as a cold front moves through.
Behind the front, cooler and drier air settles in Tuesday, with sunshine returning and temperatures moderating through mid to late week. Overall, a balanced mix of mild temperatures, rain chances, and sunshine typical of late March.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
• ☀️ Beautiful spring start to the weekend
• 🌦️ Showers developing late Sunday
• 🌧️ Rainy, breezy Monday
• 📉 Cooler Tuesday
• 🌤️ Sunny and seasonable mid-week
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, FRIDAY NIGHT CATFISH
Saint Ann's Parish Hall is the place to be during Friday night's during Lent. ...
Kids and Cops Glow Run
T-shirt enthusiasts need to register before April 9, to receive a Kids and Cops Glow Run t-shirt. The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office is thrilled to host the upcoming Kids and Cops: Glow Run. This exciting event is focused on giving back to the children in our community and strengthening the bond between local law enforcement and our youth.
The Kids and Cops program, established in 2012, was created to build lasting, positive relationships through mentorship, summer camps, and community events. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for connecting officers and kids in meaningful ways.
The 5K run will light up the night with a fun glow run experience, according to the sheriff's office.
Each race packet will include glow gear to help you shine as you run. Participants who register by the early sign-up date will also receive a commemorative event t-shirt.
Join the department and the sheriff for a night of fun, fitness, and community spirit to support our youth. To register go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Edenton/KidsAndCopsGlowRun
Childrens Festival, April 18
On Saturday, April 18, the Chowan/Perquimans Smart Start Partnership (CPSSP) will be hosting the 18 annual week of the young child event.
The yearly Children's Festival brings families, service providers and a massive amount of volunteers together to promote a safe and smart start to a child’s future. A variety of games and active, fun events are scheduled for the kids and a vast selection of information on services and programs to assist children and families facing the joy and challenges of raising youngsters.
In years past, the petting zoo was one of the major attractions of the event.
CPSSP program coordinator Sarah Williams, highlighted services the Smart Start program offers. “Parents who need support improving parenting skills, addressing a specific child behavior, or simply want to ensure that they are doing their best as a parent can enroll in the Triple P program. The partnership schedules both one-on-one and group sessions to help parents address child behaviors or other issues causing them stress or concern.
In the past more than 500 adults and children lined up early and enjoyed the event at Perquimans Recreation Center.
“‘We’re celebrating the lives of young children, providing them with educational experiences, while at the same time because we are a rural community, we are trying to get parents information on what services are available,” Williams said. “Many services are available, but people don’t necessarily know about them or want to ask for help. Working with other agencies and organizations in the community to come together to tackle the big issues facing early child care and education is another way of supporting families.”
This year’s Week of the Young Child Children’s Festival and Safe Kids Day begins at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m at the Perquimans Recreation Center.
ANNUAL LION'S CLUB BREAKFAST FOR THE BLIND
The Edenton Lions Club is sponsoring a Breakfast for the Blind on Saturday, March 28 at the Edenton United Methodist Church.The event begins at 6:30 a.m. and continues until 10:00 a.m. The ticket pays for breakfast plus the money helps pay for eye exams, eye glasses and a vision van along with other events and supplies.