Black Builder and Craftspeople Symposium

Classical American Homes Preservation Trust is co-sponsoring this symposium celebrating the history, research, and interpretation of Black craftspeople in North Carolina.

Join us in Wilmington for two days of conversation, networking and research focused on the history and interpretation of Black craftspeople in the Southeast. Friday’s events will focus on historic sites with opening remarks by Dr. Tiffany Momon of the Black Craftspeople Digital Archive; plenary by Director of NC Historic Sites, Michelle Lanier; and a Round Table discussion moderated by Dr. Torren Gatson. Friday will close with a social reception at the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts in the downtown historic district where attendees will get to browse the We Built This exhibit, profiling Black architects and builders from North Carolina. Saturday morning will start with student presentations on new and ongoing study followed by a keynote presentation by Jerome Bias, a woodworker and leading interpreter of Thomas Day. Saturday’s events will close with various options for tours around Wilmington, organized by Historic Wilmington Foundation.

This symposium is a collaboration between the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, the Black Craftspeople Digital Archive, Preservation North Carolina, the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Historic Wilmington Foundation. With significant support and sponsorship by the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust.

Tickets: $20.00 (includes both days) | FREE for Students