Preservation SEMINAR preview
Out with the new, in with the old
This past weekend, the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation and the Edenton Historical Commission with support from the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation hosted an extraordinary two day Preservation Conference where over 100 guests enjoyed learning of the preservation efforts taking place throughout town.
Entitled ‘Innovating Preservation in Small-Town America’ Executive Director Edenton Historical Commission Robet leath.
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
THE WEEKEND WAS AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE FOR MANY
PRESERVATION EXPERTS, ENTHUSIASTS GATHER IN AWE
Edenton’s future preservation efforts and those initiatives bringing the past to life were the topics of discussion, highlighting conversations on the town’s stellar success on three amazing projects. The Cupola House, The Kadesh Church and Hayes Farm each were a monumental backdrop for moments along the town tour as many guests gazed in awe at each of the gems. One of the most moving moments of the weekend was to hear fifth generation descendants of Kadesh Church architect and builder Hannibal Bradham view the church in which they worshipped as youngsters.
On March 20 and 21, the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation and the Edenton Historical Commission with support from the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation hosted the two day event entitled ‘Innovating Preservation in Small-Town America’.
Over 125 guests, both local and from around the country, including students from prestigious colleges and universities heard preservationists and historical researchers speak on Edenton’s most cherished historical projects.
Edenton Historical Commission Executive Director Robert Leath and Director of Marketing, Development and Events Patti Mordecai coordinated the two day schedule of International and Nationally known speakers on research associated with Edenton’s prized treasures.
“The seminar highlighted 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 AME Zion Church, Cupola House, and Hayes Farm and learn how it benefits Edenton and its economy.”
The seminar spotlighted three of Edenton’s most predominate historical properties. Founder of Down East Preservation Dawson Tyler spoke on the restoration of the Kadesh church which will be turned over to the congregation over the next few weeks. Andrew Ownbey of Andrew Ownbey Restoration gave an in-depth discussion on the return of the Cupola House's original woodwork from a lengthy stay at the Brooklyn Museum. He also offered a hands on overview of the preservation progress Hayes Farm.
Over the two days a dozen technical, historically focused speakers from around the country each involved in the projects offered insight into the development, research and progress.
The seminar boosted Edenton’s historical presence on the national stage for the town’s quality - focused approach to its historical properties. The pride of workmanship with each detail being researched and executed as though the original craftsmen mentored the project and process throughout the property has raised the national preservation bar because of the work on display this past weekend.
Editor’s Note: For a more in-depth review of the events and speakers pick up a copy of the April edition of the Edenton Social Light, arriving in the red good news boxes on Broad St. the second week of April.
A video with Hannibal Badham's descendant
EXEC. DIRECTOR EDENTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION ROBERT LEATH
CUPOLA, KADESH AND HAYES ON TOUR
Innovating preservation in a small town was one of the topics discussed this past weekend as over 100 preservationists along with those interested in following modern day efforts to preserve history attended the two day seminar. Edenton Historical Commission Executive Director opened the two day event focused on Edenton’s three historic gems, The Cupola House, The Kadesh Church and Hayes Farm and the preservation efforts currently being put forward to save and polish Edenton’s history.
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.
BEN PROSKY OFFERED 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.
GOODEN,CHESSON FEATURED
EDENTON HIGHLIGHTED AT STATE MAIN STREET CONFERENCE
Edenton Shined at Main Street Conference
Edenton residents can be proud of Edenton Town Manager Corey Gooden, Edenton Main Street Executive Director Ches Chesson and members of the Main Street Edenton Board plus other business leaders who attended the annual NC Main Street Conference in New Bern last month as the town and its Main Street program received high praise from national and state Main Street leaders and state officials.
The spotlight pointed to Edenton’s use of New Market Tax Credits and how they helped create a positive outcome ....for the town and Provalus’s opening its Edenton office. Edenton’s current growth and preservation efforts as a destination were also lauded.
Gooden and Chesson were joined by Innovative Fund CEO Emma Wyatt and offered an overview of the steps and process Edenton used in securing over $7 million in New Market Tax Credits. Wyatt is responsible for distributing over $140,000 in New Market Tax Credits and after being presented an idea from Chesson, moved forward with the plan.
“We are excited to be here today. We started our relationship with the city of Edenton, two years ago, when Ches said, “I've got this idea” so we're excited to show you today how much the new market tax credit played a role in shaping this project and the success of it in Edenton,” explained Wyatt. ....
Plow Days Event & Homesteading Conference – April 18
There’s something special about springtime in Edenton, and on April 18, that spirit comes to life with a unique blend of tradition, community, and hands-on learning at the Plow Days Event & Homesteading Conference. Running from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 131 Morristown Road, this event brings together farmers, homesteaders, families, and curious visitors for a morning rooted in both heritage and practical skills. The highlight of the day is exactly what it promises—plowing, plowing, and more plowing. Attendees will have the chance to see a variety of traditional and modern methods in action, from horse-drawn plows to tractors, mules, and more. But the experience goes far beyond the fields. The Homesteading Conference portion of the day features a full agenda of exhibitors and vendors offering insights into sustainable living, agriculture, and self-sufficiency. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just beginning to explore homesteading, there will be plenty to learn, see, and discuss. Guests are encouraged to come hungry and stay awhile. Happy Home Youth will be on-site serving breakfast and lunch, making it easy to spend the entire morning enjoying the event. This gathering is as much about community as it is about agriculture—a chance to connect with neighbors, share knowledge, and celebrate the enduring traditions that continue to shape life in our region. Mark your calendar for April 18 and come experience a day where the past meets the present, one row at a time.