Historic & Archaeological Resources

In 1985, the New Hanover County Planning Department and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History, conducted an architectural inventory to document the historic and architectural resources of New Hanover County. One hundred forty-three structures, including religious, educational, commercial and residential structures, as well as bridges and piers built between 1830 to 1940, are documented in the Historic Architecture of New Hanover County North Carolina book.

View the Historic Architecture of New Hanover County North Carolina (PDF).

Archaeological Sites

New Hanover County has hundreds of archaeological sites identified by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. Twenty-eight sites were considered significant and selected to be protected by the County’s Conservation Overlay District regulations.

View a Map of Protected Archaeological Resources (PDF).

Abandoned Cemetery Program

Volunteers Needed for Adopt-a-Cemetery Program

New Hanover County is looking for volunteers to adopt and maintain the county’s abandoned or neglected cemeteries. There are approximately 100 cemeteries throughout the county. Some are located deep in the woods while others are visible from the roads. Cemeteries range in age, with some dating back to the late 1700’s, and vary in condition from simple vegetative removal needs to more complicated headstone resetting and repair needs.

Volunteer groups will be matched to cemeteries according to their skill level, number of volunteers, desired location, and other criteria to ensure project success.

Volunteer group tasks may include, but are not limited to:

  • Raking and removing vegetation
  • Mowing grass
  • Repairing, cleaning and resetting stones
  • Mapping locations of grave sites
  • Historical research
  • Fence erection or repair
  • Photographing the site

New Hanover County staff can provide instruction and assistance for volunteer groups. Volunteer groups will be recognized for their adoption with a sign provided by New Hanover County.

For more information, please email Adopt a Cemetery.

View a Map of Cemeteries Located in New Hanover County (PDF).

For more information, email the Adopt a Cemetery program.