Over 700 prehistoric and historic archaeology sites have been recorded in the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office's statewide inventory, many of which lie in the area of B. Everett Jordan Reservoir.
A countywide architectural survey was completed in 1982, following a survey of the town Pittsboro in 1980. These surveys were cooperative local-state projects accomplished with grants and staff assistance from the Historic Preservation Office.
Federal grants totaling $28,083 and $59,000 in state funds have been awarded for such projects as the county architectural survey and publication, Siler City and Pittsboro National Register nominations, and restoration of the county courthouse.
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Forty-four individual properties, as well as historic districts in Goldston, Mt. Vernon Springs, and New Hope, are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. National Register nominations for the Pittsboro Historic District and several individual properties and districts in Siler City were prepared in 1998 to 1999 with the assistance of state grants.
LOCAL PRESERVATION COMMISSIONS
In 1994, at the request of the Siler City government, the Historic Preservation Office provided assistance regarding establishment of a local preservation commission.
Two income-producing tax credit projects have been completed in Chatham County at a total construction investment of $82,900: the Alston-DeGraffenreid House Kitchen and the Hall-London House, both in Pittsboro; the former Siler City High School has been rehabilitated for affordable housing. Three residences are currently undergoing renovation to utilize the new state tax credit for non-income-producing structures. The Historic Preservation Office reviews and provides restoration technical services for all preservation tax credit projects.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICATIONS
The Historic Preservation Office assisted the Chatham County Historical Association in publishing the results of the architectural survey in The Architectural Heritage of Chatham County, North Carolina in 1991.
Restoration projects receiving technical assistance have included the Chatham County Courthouse, the Pittsboro Community House, the City Hall in Siler City, and several private residences throughout the county.