Historic Preservation

It’s sweeping bucolic lawns slope from the crest of a knoll gracing the shore of Albemarle sound, Hayes Farm, is a 194 acre Farm with an expansive manor stepsacross Edenton’s Queen Anne Creek.  

Historical riches dot the countryside, however, Hayes Farm is an in towngem , the crown jewel of the town’s many historical treasure. Hayes is asignificant part of North Carolina's heritage and its lineage in American history.

In the late 18th centurythe property was settledby Samuel Johnston, who went on to become the fourth governor of North Carolina and a United States Senator.  

The main manor house is considered by architectural scholars to be “one of the South’s most accomplished examples of a five-part Palladian villa,”. It was designated a National Historic Landmark on November 7, 1973 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 26, 1974. Currently the property is owned by the State of North Carolina and is maintained and supported by the Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation with assistance from the Edenton Historical Commission and the Town of Edenton. The property has breathtaking views of the Albemarle Sound and also includes 28 structures throughout the property including six enslaved worker’s cottages which remain standing. Preservation is in progress on a number of structures and work activities are supported by local volunteers.   

“Having a place like Hayes that will provide recreational opportunities for the people of Edenton will add so much to life in this small town”. states preservationist Samual Dixon, “The Elizabeth VanMoore Foundation is grateful to those who stewarded Hayes in the past and those individuals who are helping make this project a success today.”

As preservation activities continue, this past September, Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation Board member Chris Bean oversaw the kitchen renewal which is an addition to the main house that John and Lelia Wood constructed in the 1950’s. Down East Preservation and Bean preserved and restored the existing cabinets and add beautiful soapstone countertops. The floors were refinished with wax after removing the old linoleum covering.

“The Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation is so grateful to be restoring Hayes for the nation,” Dixon continues. “Part of our stewardship includes caring for and acquiring those objects that help tell the fascinating story of Hayes and it's part in the birth of this nation.”  

The importance of the preservation movement in Edenton is rooted in the Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation.  Their mission is to maintain and preserve historical sites and buildings in Edenton, NC.