Frequently Asked Questions
Researching the history of your building is an exciting and rewarding learning experience, and the HWF plaque program provides a great way to document the history of your house. To help get you started, we've listed below the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our plaque program.
How do I know if a building is eligible for a Foundation plaque?
Buildings over 75 years old that are located in New Hanover County are eligible for a HWF plaque. Houses over 50 years old at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are also eligible for a plaque.
How much does a plaque cost?
The
price of a new plaque is $200 for members of the Foundation and $250
for non-members (fee includes a family membership to the HWF). This
is the actual cost of the hand-painted plaque. The plaque program does
not generate income for the Foundation.
Who does the research for the plaque text?
Research is completed by the owner and submitted to the HWF plaque committee for review. The application is designed to lead you step-by-step in your research. If you prefer, we can put you in touch with someone who will research the information for you for a fee. When you complete the research, you submit it to the plaque committee for review. If the Committee needs more information, a member contacts you and explains what information you need to present before the next meeting.
Who decides on the wording of the plaque?
After the Committee approves the research, they compose a plaque text for the building. The Foundation sends you a copy of the approved text to review. If you have any questions or suggestions concerning the plaque text, the committee will work with you. When pleased with the final product, the applicant submits payment to the Foundation, and we proceed with ordering the hand-painted plaque.
How
long does the process take?
The
Plaque Committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month to review applications.
Applications must be submitted to the Foundation office at least two
weeks prior to the meeting. The Committee reviews applications in the
order they are received, and it is common for the process to take several
months.
If my plaque is weathered and old, can I get a new one?
If your plaque has seen better days, we can arrange to have it repainted. The cost varies depending on the condition of the plaque, but most can be repainted. If you choose to have your plaque repainted, the Committee uses this opportunity to review the original research and update the plaque text if appropriate.
How is the color of the plaque determined?
HWF plaques
come in three different colors: black, brown and sea oats beige. Buildings
over 100 years old receive a black plaque with white lettering. Those
from 75 to 100 years old receive a brown plaque. Buildings 50 years
or older at the beaches receive a sea oats color plaque with black lettering.
What happens to the researched information after my plaque is approved?
The information you gather is a permanent record on your building and will be available to historians and researchers for years to come. The application and all additional information generated by your research will be filed permanently at the Foundation. A copy is also kept in the Local History Room of the New Hanover County Library, which is open seven days a week, and on weekends.
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