Our mission is to protect Durham's historic assets (and stories) through education, advocacy and action.
Durham is a preservation town. Our favorite places have age, patina, and authenticity. They tell our story – one of scrappy entrepreneurs, creative reinvention, and stubborn optimism.
Who We Are
Fast Facts
- Established in 1974
- 600 members and counting – Become one of them!
- 2 staff members
- Annual Budget of $116,000
- More than 50 properties saved
- By Laws
What We Do
Staff
April Johnson
Executive Director
April is a Historic Preservationist who worked with the City of Charlottesville, City of Winston-Salem, Preservation Durham, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to maintain, promote, and advocate saving historic buildings. After spending the last three and a half years in preservation planning with the City of Winston-Salem, April believes historic preservation’s most important role in the 21st century, is to create community through the reawakening of historic buildings that contribute to civic beauty, economic development, social dialogue and uplift, and a collective identity.
April intentionally seeks to make a positive impact in the cities she resides in. She serves on the board of Triad Cultural Arts, was as a board member and President of the Winston-Salem Urban League Young Professionals, Chairperson of the Citizens Advisory Committee, and served on multiple in-school/after-school programs tutoring and mentoring disenfranchised youth.
April holds a master’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning and a master’s certificate in Historic Preservation.
Diane Amato
Office Manager
Diane joined Preservation Durham in September 2014. She is originally from Massachusetts where she worked as a Program Manager for General Electric. She is past President of the board of Liberty Arts, Board Treasurer of Frank Gallery, President of Trinity Park Neighborhood Association, and member of the Advisory Committee for Durham Tech's Associate Degree in Fine Arts Program. She also served on the boards of Durham Habitat for Humanity Restore and Chatham County Arts Council. In 2009 she founded The Art of Giving, a giving circle committed to granting money to non-profits in the Triangle whose programs benefit women and children. Since its inception, $150,000 has been awarded.
Board of Directors
The group that leads the effort to preserve Durham’s heritage, our Board of Directors, brings a wide range of knowledge and experiences to Preservation Durham! New members are elected at the Annual Meeting each year, with three-year terms beginning in July. If you are interested in learning more about joining our Board, please contact the us.
Officers 2019-2020
President: Tom Miller
Vice President:
Secretary: Alicia Hylton Daniel
Treasurer: Chris Arena
Members at Large
Sasha Berghausen
Carolyn Green Boone
Adrian Brown
Cynthia deMiranda
Nicholas Levy
Scott Selig
Alice Sharpe
Committees
Our committees do a great deal of the work of the organization – from crafting advocacy statements to planning educational workshops. Committees are composed of Board Members and organizational members at large. If you are interested in joining, please contact the committee chair or our office staff.
Advocacy
Advocates issues of major importance to Durham.
Its goals are to:
- Identify key issues and recommend position statements for board approval
- Educate the public on preservation issues, best practices, and Preservation Durham's work
- Work with other organizations in supporting or opposing issues of mutual interest
- Represent interests of Preservation Durham
- Review local ordinances concerning historic preservation
Chair: Rob Emerson
Home Tour
Organizes the annual Durham Preservation Tour.
Its work includes:
- Identifying tour sites and working with property owners
- Providing research on the tour theme and locations and educational events
- Recruiting advertisers and sponsors and marketing the tour
- Managing tour volunteers and day-of logistics
Chairs: Tom Miller & Kathy Carter