The Commission

Background and Mission of the EHC

The Edenton Historical Commission is not your traditional not-for-profit group. We were created by the General Assembly of North Carolina in 1961 and are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization. In other words, we were created by the state but are not a state agency and donations to the Commission are tax deductible for the donor’s income tax purposes (follow the advice of your tax advisor).

We do not receive routine funding from state or federal governments. The Town of Edenton and Chowan County have contributed to our work, which is greatly appreciated. Well over 95% of our funding comes from the people just like you: people interested in preservation of historical public buildings and more importantly, learning about the stories of the important leaders that guided the development and growth of the colony, the state and the nation.

The Commission has 33 members. The Governor appoints 22 commissioners, the Speaker of the House appoints four, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate appoints four and three positions are filled, ex officio.

It is a common misconception that the Edenton Historical Commission governs the rules and regulations regarding private residences and other privately-owned properties in the Edenton Historic District. These regulations are actually governed by the Town of Edenton’s Historic Preservation Commission. If you have any questions or concerns for the Historic Preservation Commission, please contact the Town of Edenton at 252-482-2155.

Annual Report and 990 & 990T: Available upon request.

Keep up with us by visiting the Barker House on Facebook and following @barkerhouseedenton on Instagram.

Mission:
The North Carolina General Assembly’s 1961 Act creating the Edenton Historical Commission reads, in part: “to effect and encourage preservation, restoration, and appropriate presentation of the Town of Edenton and Chowan County, as a historic, educational and aesthetic place, to the benefit of the citizens of the place and state and of visitors” (G.S. 143B-95)

Commission Meetings:

EHC 2025 Meeting Schedule

Commission By-Laws: Available Upon Request

Staff:

Ms. Ceil Davenport, Front Desk Associate

Ms. Braeden Cowan, Front Desk Associate & Trolley Docent

Ms. Caroline Zevenhuizen, Front Desk Associate & Trolley Docent

Mr. Andrew Bergeron

Mrs. Mary Ann Broughton Daniel

Ms. Stella Brothers

Mr. Charles Davis

Mr. Sam Dixon

Mrs. Anne Ellis

Mrs. Sally Francis Kehayes

Mr. Curtis Leonard

Mr. John Morehead

Mr. Tom Newbern

Ms. Susan Nolton

Mrs. Ann Perry

Mrs. Jaquelin Perry

Ms. Bonnie Pierce

Ms. Sadie Riddick

Mrs. Elizabeth Scott

Mr. Benjamin F Speller Jr

Mr. Dawson Tyler

Ms. Gloria Wadsworth

Mr. Earl Willis

Mrs. Annette Wood

Mr. Ben Wood