Tell Us Your Story

STORIES OF OLD HOME STEWARDS

Your home’s story didn’t end when its first owners moved out. And it didn’t end when you chose to move in.

Every old home, from simple cottages to grand mansions and all points between, does so much more than offer shelter. Homes also play a part in neighborhoods and communities. The singular story of your house is ongoing. You are a chapter in your home’s biography. And we want to learn more!

With the help and input of our members, HWF is striving to learn more about our old buildings (50 years of age or older) and the people who care for them. Together, we’re creating a robust panorama of our built history.

Old houses are filled with history, quirks, and one-of-a-kind features. It’s the little things that make us fall in love with them: the ripples of light through an old window, the warm feel of a worn brass doorknob. We feel connected to those who came before us: their families, their accomplishments, the traces of their lives. In caring for these vintage spaces, we carry and share the rich, varied stories these buildings tell about our communities. 

HWF’s Tell Us Your Story index will be different from our historic plaque database, as well as the National Register listings. While those databases are invaluable, they capture small segments of our communities. Our goal is to create a more complete picture of the built history where we live and work in the three counties HWF serves, gathering details about ALL old structures.

SEEKING VOLUNTEER INTERVIEWERS

Want to support this initiative? The Historic Wilmington Foundation is seeking volunteer interviewers, to conduct Tell Us Your Story interviews!

Volunteering is a snap! We provide the interview questions, and interviews can be recorded easily on your phone or even via Zoom! (We’ll walk you through the technical side of things, never fear!) You can schedule interviews to suit your schedule. 

These interviews are a beautiful way to connect to your neighbors and your community! Get in on the fun by volunteering. Click the button below to get started!