Wake Forest History Exchange
Welcome to the Wake Forest History Exchange
The Wake Forest History Exchange is an interactive GIS-based program that allows citizens and staff to share information about Wake Forest’s history. There are many layers to the history of Wake Forest, some well-known some not so well-known. The Historic Preservation Program created the history exchange map to provide the public an opportunity to celebrate and share Wake Forest's special places, people and traditions. The main goals of the Wake Forest History Exchange are:
Engage with the public about Wake Forest’s history
Explore lesser-known and underrepresented histories in Wake Forest
Educate the public, town officials, and town staff about our unique history
Exchange information about our history in an interactive way
The history exchange will allow you to learn about Wake Forest history and share your knowledge about Wake Forest on the webpage. If you are ready to start the exchange - Click on the WF History Exchange Button
If you have visited the Wake Forest History Exchange or are looking for specific information, please check the links on the left side of the page and/or see below for a few shortcuts.
Historic Resources Surveys
These are planning documents that Wake Forest has used to identify, document, and recognize/designate historic buildings since the 1970s. Three town-wide studies have been completed and are available by clicking the links below:
National Register of Historic Places Districts
There are three National Register historic districts in Wake Forest. Each district has a webpage on the Town's website; the Glen Royall Mill Village District in 1999; the Downtown Wake Forest Historic District in 2002; and the Wake Forest National Register Historic District in 2003. The National Register nomination documents are available at the webpage links or by clicking the links below:
Glen Royall Mill Village National Register Historic District Nomination
Downtown Wake Forest National Register Historic District Nomination
Wake Forest National Register Historic District Nomination
Local Historic District
The Local Historic District was established in 1979 at the same time as the Historic Preservation Ordinance for the Town of Wake Forest. The Local District is located on N. Main Street from W. Oak Avenue to North Avenue and a small section of South Avenue consisting of 48 historic resources. Properties located in the Local Historic District require approval from the Historic Preservation Commission for any exterior change to the property. Click on “Local Historic District” for more information or to take a virtual tour of the Local Historic District.
Local Historic Landmark Properties
Local Historic Landmark Properties are designated by the Town of Wake Forest Board of Commissioners for having special significance to the Town of Wake Forest history, pre-history, architecture, or cultural heritage and maintain a high degree of architectural integrity. Local Historic landmark properties are similar to the Local Historic District and require approval from the Historic Preservation Commission for any exterior change to the property. There are currently thirteen Local Historic Landmark properties. For more information on these properties visit the Local Landmarks Page.
Historic Marker Program
The Historic Preservation Commission started a Historic Marker Program in 2021 to raise awareness about lesser-known historic sites. Marker applications are due annually in September and must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. For more information visit the Historic Marker Program Page.