The Statesville African American Heritage Preservation Commission was established to support the preservation, recognition, and celebration of African American history and culture within the City of Statesville and its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction. The commission provides guidance and community input on initiatives that highlight and protect historically significant sites, stories, and cultural resources.
Mission Statement: The purpose of the Statesville African American Heritage Preservation Commission is to preserve, protect, and promote the history, arts, and culture of African Americans in Statesville North Carolina.
The commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm in the second floor conference room at City Hall. Since the committee is not currently reflected in the City’s zoning ordinance, formal term lengths for members have not been established.
Interested in Volunteering on a Board, Comittee, or Commission?
The work of the Statesville African American Heritage Preservation Commission has played an important role in recognizing and preserving the history of the Garfield/Green Street community. The commission partnered with City Preservation staff and local historians to support research, documentation, and community engagement efforts related to the Garfield/Green Street Historic District.
These efforts contributed to the successful nomination of the district to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing the historic and cultural significance of one of Statesville’s most important African American neighborhoods. The district includes landmarks such as the historic Green Street Cemetery, Garfield Park, and several historic churches and homes that reflect generations of community history and pride.
Learn more about the history of this project and the steps that led to the district’s designation.