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In August of 2001,when
it was learned that an out of county developer intended to establish a
trailer park on a section of the Wyse Fork Battlefield,
four women embarked on a magnificent adventure: saving Civil
War Battlefields in Lenoir County, North Carolina.
With fervor the four women joined with others and were successful in
saving the site from development.
The four ladies were soon joined
by two men who shared the same passion for preservation and history. These
six people evolved into the Historical Preservation Group and a historic
preservation movement was born. HPG has and will continue to serve as an
instrument needed to see that the history of Lenoir County be told and the
preservation of what is left be saved.
Who Is The Historical
Preservation Group?
The Historical Preservation Group
is a diverse group of people that came together with a common interest
and passion for the preservation of our history.
With the financial help of Civil War Preservation Trust HPG became
incorporated and received their non-profit status.
Its purpose has been to provide leadership, education and
advocacy to save diverse historic landmarks. This preservation movement
strives to bring to the area heritage tourism, economic growth and an
awareness of the rich history of Eastern North Carolina. We are proud
members of the Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies, The
Lenoir County Heritage Tourism Council and the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of
Commerce. HPG is governed by a Board of Directors. There is an
advisory Committee made up of many people with various areas of
expertise. A sustaining membership is open to anyone that wishes to
become a sustaining member. HPG is the umbrella organization for three
sub-groups, The Lenoir County Battlefields Commission, Heritage
Genealogical Society and the Colonial Commission.
The
Lenoir County Battlefields Commission was established to oversee all the
Civil War Battlefield projects. The members are appointed. Any
member of the community may serve on an ad hoc committee.
In keeping with our preservation
efforts, HPG established the Heritage Genealogy Society in 2002. It is
the belief of the Historical Preservation Group that family histories
play an important role in the preservation of our local heritage. The Heritage Genealogical Society has an open membership and anyone may
become an active member by paying annual dues.
The Colonial
Commission works to preserve the colonial era landmarks and history. The
Colonial Commission members are appointed. Any member of the community
may serve on an ad hoc committee.
As the
Historical Preservation Group grows there will be other sub groups
organized and the preservation movement will keep growing.
Why Is The Historical Preservation Group Important?
The
Historical Preservation group is a major player in the development of an
economic engine that will bring heritage tourism to Lenoir County and
Eastern North Carolina. In order to accomplish their goals they
have partnered with national, state and local government and the private
sector. Their focus is to bring economic benefits to eastern North
Carolina while at the same time preserving our heritage.
HPG has become a driving force in Lenoir County for the preservation of
its history and they have identified,
recognized and protected historic Civil War battlefield sites.
Preserving the battlefields not only saves the physical site for
interpretation, but it will protect wetlands and provide an
environmentally clean and safe habitat for wildlife. HPG has
conducted history research projects and
living history events that has and will provide an educational asset for the
community.
Heritage
resources create civic pride and Eastern North Carolina will be
reaping the economic benefits of heritage tourism.
The partnership of Historical Preservation group, government and the
private sector is a dynamic combination.
A Rich History Is The Past..... Let's Make it a
Part Of Our Future
Over the years many things that were part of a rich history have been
destroyed throughout our nation. Today Civil War Battlefields are falling
victim to encroachment by malls, trailer parks, factories, highways and
parking lots. Such a situation is not necessary in order to have progress.
The citizens of our county have the ability to save two Civil War
Battlefields, Battle of Kinston 1862 and Battle of Wyse Fork 1865. If we
plan now, Battlefields can be protected while malls, housing developments
and factories are being built. In some areas of the United States it is too
late, but not here in Lenoir County, North Carolina.
Many historic buildings have disappeared or left in dilapidated condition.
There still are others worth saving for future generations. There are
islands of grass in large plowed fields that tell us that there are resting
places for many that have gone on before. Who were these people? There are
stories to
be told of battles fought and brave men lost for causes they
believed in. Preservation can provide the key to saving all of these things.
The history of Lenoir County dates back to the days when only the Indians
roamed the land. The county is rich in Colonial and Civil War history. This
history is a foundation on which to build a great tourism industry and make
Lenoir County a major tourism destination.
The Historical Preservation
Group strives to educate, inform and excite the people of the community
about the greatness of Lenoir County. A public awareness campaign
started the people talking about the past and their interest and support has
begun to grow and is still growing. It is not too late to keep our past from
truly being just that, our past. Our history can be our hope and our legacy.
This is our goal.
HPG Board
Come along and join the Historical Preservation Group
on this
magnificent adventure!
We must act now!
Many of Lenoir County's Historic Landmarks have
already been destroyed.
The Historical Preservation Group is the umbrella organization for 3
preservation sub committees
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