Historic Marker Program
Historic Markers Approved for 2022
Olive Branch Baptist Church
Northeast Community
Historic Markers Approved for 2021
Leaders of Wake Lodge No. 285, 410 N. Allen Street
Wake Forest Normal & Industrial School, Spring Street
Ailey Mae Young 1903-1992, Spring Street
The First Fire Station, Corner of S. White and Jones Street..
Unfortunately, supply chain and staffing issues have delayed the fabrication of the 2021 markers. The Town will coordinate with the applicants to install the markers and hold unveiling ceremonies for each marker upon receipt.
About the Historic Marker Program
The Historic Marker Program Policy was adopted by the Town of Wake Forest Board of Commissioners on August 17, 2021.
The program will be administered by the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Planning Department. During the public outreach portion of the NE Community Plan, members of the community expressed a desire to raise awareness about the rich history of the NE Community even if the building's are no longer standing. Implementation of a historic marker program is an appropriate way to identify historical sites and educate the public of their significance. Each site selected for a historical marker must hold special significance to the rich heritage of the Town of Wake Forest. Applications may be submitted any time throughout the year. However, the deadline for the November approval meeting is September 1 of each year. The 2023 deadline has been extended to September 30, 2023.
Annual Historic Marker Selection Process
All Historic Marker Applications will be submitted electronically through the electronic plan review to the Historic Preservation Planning Staff. Staff will review the applications and prepare them for the Historic Marker Selection Meeting. The Historic Preservation Commission will review all applications and hear presentations at their regular November meeting. Once the Historic Preservation Commission approves the markers in November, staff will finalize text and order the markers. All markers will be installed and unveiled in celebration of National Historic Preservation Month in May.
Application Process
The deadline to submit an application for a historic marker is September 1st. Applications are electronic and can be accessed by the Town's Electronic Plan Review Process. There is no cost to submit an application. Once in the Electronic Plan Review Portal follow these steps (Note: you will have to set up a log in to use the system):
Click on “Submit a Project for Review”
Select Wake County
Select “Planning/Developmental Services”
From the drop-down menu, select Historic Marker Application - Workflow, select Historic Marker
The subdivision/area is the site name/property address
Complete the instructions and provide as much information as possible so staff can review the project. You are able to upload scanned documents and photographs in pdf or jpg.
Submit Application