Calling all history buffs. Here’s a chance to show off your neighborhood’s history. The city of Winston-Salem established the Heritage Neighborhood Program this year to identify and honor communities with historical significance. Here’s how to submit where you live for consideration.
Qualifications
Your neighborhood must be at least 50 years old — something you’ll need to prove with first-hand accounts and secondary sources. It’s an endeavor you can’t take on alone — nominations must come from a nonprofit or a neighborhood group with at least five residents or property owners.
You’ll need a statement outlining how the neighborhood significantly contributed to life in Winston-Salem. Historic maps, current maps with boundaries, and narratives of the neighborhood’s activities and contributions are also required.
How to apply
The application can be submitted anytime between now and March 1, 2025. You can mail the form to the Historic Resources Commission or drop it off in person at the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building. Submissions by email will also be accepted.
How neighborhoods are chosen
The Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission will approve applications, with input from the Historic Recognition Committee and the African American Heritage Initiative.
Decisions will be made in June 2025. Priority will be given to neighborhoods that don’t currently have other historic designations. Neighborhoods under threat of development or demolition will get special consideration. One to five designations are expected.
What it means
The Heritage Neighborhood designation won’t impose any historic restrictions. Those chosen will not be included in the local historic district program, local historic marker program, or added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Beyond bragging rights, Heritage Neighborhoods will receive an honorary resolution from City Council. Street sign toppers and ground-mounted street signs will be installed to mark the significance. Up to 100 sign toppers will be installed a year, which is expected to cost the city $10,000.
