What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm

Preservation Chapel Hill

Name: Preservation Chapel Hill
Address: 610 E Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, US
Telephone: +19199427818
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

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Preservation Chapel Hill

Preservation Chapel Hill is headquartered at the Horace Williams House, which was built by Benjamin Hedrick in 1854.
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Preservation Chapel Hill endeavors to preserve the true essence of Chapel Hill through a variety of educational programs, special events, and community projects. A professor of chemistry at UNC, Hedrick built an octagonal house connected to a two-room farmhouse. After being run out town for his political opinions on the eve of the Civil War, the home was purchased by Hosea Smith, also a professor

at UNC. In 1879, Smith sold the house to George Winston, a professor of Latin. Horace Williams was the next owner of the property. A professor of philosophy, he championed teaching methods focused on questioning rather than lecturing. Williams left the house to UNC upon his death in 1940. We invite you to explore our page, visit the Horace Williams House, and join us in the effort to keep Chapel Hill “The Southern Part of Heaven."

08/28/2026

Art of Historic Preservation Workshop
Next date: Friday, September 25, 2026 | 01:00 PM to 05:30 PM

The Town of Chapel Hill is partnering with the Orange Chatham Association of Realtors, and Preservation Chapel Hill to present the Art of Historic Preservation Workshop on September 25, from 1pm to 5:30pm at the Chapel Hill Public Library.

This is a great opportunity to hear from experts and learn about historic preservation efforts and processes. Workshop attendees will:

Learn from local and regional experts who will discuss community history, available resources, preservation practices, and how historic properties can evolve.

Network with peers who are passionate about historic preservation in Chapel Hill and throughout our region.

Connect with staff who can guide you through the approval processes for work in local historic districts.

Walk away with new ideas and a strong understanding of how policy, history, and development intersect in our historic districts.

The workshop will feature sessions on community history, heritage preservation, architectural styles, and construction in local historic districts. Session topics include:

Community history with Molly Luby (Community History Coordinator, Town of Chapel Hill)

Heritage communities with Karla Rosenberg (Principal Planner, City of Durham) and Heather Bratland and Stefan-leih Geary (Historic Preservation Planners, City of Greensboro)

Architectural styles in Chapel Hill with Brian Peterson (Urban Designer, Town of Chapel Hill)

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) essentials with Kristi Brantley (CLG Coordinator, SHPO) and Brett Sturm (Restoration Services Branch Supervisor, SHPO)

Panel discussion with an attorney, architect, design/builder, and contractor about navigating change in historic districts.

Registration is open to anyone and is required due to limited space. Spots are available on a first come, first served basis.

08/24/2026

Happy birthday! Remembering Horace Williams!

08/14/2026

Become a PCH Member

Membership with Preservation Chapel Hill allows you to provide direct support for operating expenses, cultural programs and preservation projects. Visit www.preservationchapelhill.org

08/12/2026

PRESERVATION PLAQUE PROGRAM

The Preservation Chapel Hill’s Historic Plaque Program recognizes and designates historically and architecturally significant structures in our community.

Why Apply for a Plaque?
The Preservation Chapel Hill’s Historic Plaque Program recognizes and designates historically and architecturally significant structures in our community. Chosen structures receive a plaque and are also listed and described on the PCH website. Additionally, the information gained by going through the process of researching a house helps us to build our community accessible archive about historic Chapel Hill and to create programming for residents and visitors. Help preserve and mark the historic architecture of Chapel Hill by applying for a plaque for your home or place of business.

Eligibility
To be considered for a Preservation Chapel Hill Historic Plaque, properties must be 50 years or older and within the city limits of Chapel Hill.

Selection Process
The Preservation Committee of Preservation Chapel Hill’s Board of Directors reviews all applications for historic residence plaques. It is important to provide accurate dates, correct full names, and sources for all information included in your application. The Preservation Committee is willing to discuss and work with applicants to improve information, but first consideration will be given to well researched and well documented applications. The name on the plaque will be chosen by the committee. Whenever possible, buildings will be named for the original owner or a significant resident. Other owners or residents may be added if they occupied the building for a significant part of its history, made significant architectural changes to the building, or made important contributions to the history of Chapel Hill. The cost of a residential plaque is $150 for members and $300 for nonmembers. This covers manufacturing costs of the plaque and PCH staff time. Checks and money orders are payable to Preservation Chapel Hill. Plaques are awarded each May during Preservation Month.

A replacement plaque may be purchased at the member cost.

08/09/2026

Rental Options at the Horace Williams House
Host your next special event in Chapel Hill's only Historic House open to the public

Venue Rentals
The Horace Williams House is the perfect setting for your special events—weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday and retirement parties, or any business celebrations or gatherings that require space outside the office.

08/03/2026

Membership, It is not too late!!

07/31/2026

Horace Williams House - Preservation Chapel Hill

07/21/2026

Happy Taco Tuesday friends and neighbors!! What is your favorite Mexican restaurant or do you prefer to make your own at home

Address

610 E Rosemary Street
Chapel Hill, NC
27514

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19199427818

Website

http://www.preservationchapelhill.org/

Alerts

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