Winston Salem Times

The Forsyth County Historic Resources Commission's Historic Recognition Committee is now accepting applications for heritage neighborhood designations. This initiative, part of the Heritage Neighborhood Program established by Winston-Salem in 2024, aims to recognize and honor historic neighborhoods within the city. The designation does not impose any historic restrictions and is separate from other historic programs such as the National Register of Historic Places.

Neighborhoods eligible for nomination must be at least 50 years old. Applications can be submitted by a 501(c)3 organization or a neighborhood group consisting of five or more individuals. Required materials include a statement of significance, a map of the neighborhood, historical maps or plats, a narrative description of significant activities and contributions, and supporting primary and secondary sources.

Applications are available online at CityOfWS.org/1366 and must be submitted by March 1, 2025. Submissions can be made via email to preservation@cityofws.org, mailed to the City of Winston-Salem's Historic Resources Commission, or delivered in person to the Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building.

Each year in June, heritage neighborhoods will be selected based on recommendations from the Historic Recognition Committee and feedback from the African American Heritage Initiative. Up to 100 intersections in these designated areas will receive custom street sign toppers annually.