Historic Preservation Society of Durham

Directions for Plaque Application

The information provided by the applicant will be used in the consideration of the request for a plaque. Accurate dates and correct full names are important, and the sources of all information must be recorded in the spaces provided on the worksheet.

Sections One and Two:  Address of Applicant and Nominated Structure

1. Provide the name of the applicant(s).  If a non-residential plaque is sought, or if the structure is for an organization, then state the organization name first followed by the name and title of the contact person.

2. List at least two dependable methods for contacting the applicant.  Place an asterisk or star beside the most preferred method.

3. Provide a mailing address where the Historic Preservation Society may correspond with the applicant.  This may or may not be the same as the historic property address.

4. State the address of structure being nominated.  If the house or building has been moved from another site, the former location should be noted as well.

5. Block and lot numbers may be found on your yearly property tax statement.

Sections Three, Four, and Five:  Historic Property Research

6. A Checklist of Sources for Plaque Research is provided in this packet to assist the applicant.

7. The name on the plaque will be assigned by the committee based on the information presented. The name, in addition to the additional information requested, provide the house or building with personality and make for a meaningful property.

8. The building will be named when possible for the original owner or resident.  Other owners or residents may be added if they occupied the building for a significant part of its history, or made any significant architectural changes to the building, or are deemed to have been important to the history of Durham.

9. Name of original and other significant owners’ spouses must be researched with care and stated in full. Record source of information.

10. Birth and death dates of original and other significant owners and spouses should be stated.

11. Place of birth is of interest if learned during the search.

12. Marriage date is not required, but may enhance the history of the house.

13. The occupation of the owner/significant resident may be used in the text of the plaque and contributes to the social history of the community.

14. Dates of ownership by the first and/or other significant owners are included on the plaque.

15. An exact date of construction is sometimes difficult to determine.  See the attached resource checklist for help.

16. If the name of the architect, builder, or contractor is known, this information may be included on the plaque.

17. The name of the architectural style of the house or building is determined by the Architectural Awards Committee.

18. If the structure is part of any historic district, state the name as well as any individual designations (National Historic Landmark, National Register of Historic Places, etc.).

Revised 2004