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2 <br />interesting histories, and likely more unmarked burials. The County may install some sort <br />of permanent marker there, along the lines of the state markers, but with our own County <br />logo, colors etc. Discussion followed. Issues included the challenge of how to deal with <br />requests for other markers. These cost about $2000 each. Some other county marker <br />programs are successful and have developed guidelines and criteria. Members would like <br />to see examples of other guidelines/criteria. Lettering needs to be sized for legibility. Staff <br />will proceed to look into a marker program. <br /> <br />Next, staff gave an update on the recent archaeology and research findings about the <br />Strayhorn slave cemetery at Blackwood Farm. Parks maintenance staff did a great job of <br />clearing the entire site while leaving all the standing and fallen field stones. The <br />archaeological firm of Legacy Research from Durham was hired to positively identify all <br />burials, and found 34 burials there. All have been carefully mapped and located. <br /> <br />Staff ended with an overview about Historic Preservation Month and the National Trust’s <br />campaign called “This Place Matters.” Laurie Paolicelli with the Visitor’s Bureau is willing <br />to help work with the HPC to try this for 2016. Members like the participatory nature of this <br />sort of campaign, to get regular citizens to care about local history and places. There is a <br />connection between the localism movement and historic preservation. <br /> <br />b. Updated book project budget and description (Attachment 3): <br />Staff referred members to the new budget document and overview statement. Our <br />consultants completed the field work and are now starting on the essay. Bob Ireland <br />needed a simpler budget for a prospective donor to the project. <br /> <br />c. Book committee meeting planning/scheduling: <br />We have not been able to hold a book committee meeting as the Town just notified us of <br />their member, Virginia Smith, last week. Staff met with Ms. Smith earlier today. She will <br />review the Town’s material now on hand, notably the revised National Register <br />nomination, then will be ready for the first full group meeting to be held sometime in June. <br />Menius provided his newcomer’s thoughts about the book project and pointed out that <br />print is costly and not always democratic, versus using electronic formats to share our <br />information. Other members related that we are committed to doing the book first, as our <br />permanent contribution, to be followed by a digital version of our inventory. There is still a <br />value to holding a book, turning pages, seeing the images, without distraction. A digital <br />project may link to the concept of a digital Orange County History/Heritage portal. <br /> <br />d. Chapel Hill CLG training program on May 13th: <br />Staff reminded members about the workshop being held by Preservation Chapel Hill and <br />the Town of Chapel Hill. Ireland, Loter, Mead and Menius plan to attend. The HPC is <br />providing funding for morning snacks and coffee. The Town of Chapel Hill is a sponsor. <br /> <br />ITEM #6: UPDATES AND INFORMATION ITEMS <br /> <br />a. Update on historic resources inventory project: <br />This was reported earlier in the meeting. <br /> <br />b. Norwood-Jones Law Office preservation progress: <br />This early 19th century brick office is owned by the County. The Preservation Fund of <br />Hillsborough has given $5,000 for restoration work. This and the other County-owned <br />historic properties of special significance could be designated as Landmarks to offer a <br />special layer of protection. Members would like to proceed. <br /> <br />c. Landmark designations within the Hillsborough and Carrboro ETJ: