HPC endorses expanded Moorefields National Register nomination to include enslaved sites and cemetery

The Orange County Historic Preservation Commission voted Jan. 28 to recommend submission of an updated Moorefields National Register nomination that expands the property’s boundaries to include sites associated with enslaved workers and the Waddell cemetery.

Chair Art Menius opened a public hearing at 6:30 p.m., and staff presented a PowerPoint that included recent archaeological findings, new historical research and updated maps supporting larger boundaries around the main house and grounds. Cecily Nisbett, executive director of the Friends of Moorefields, spoke in support and thanked staff for the additional documentation; staff also noted the house is open to the public each Thursday afternoon.

Commissioner Anne Whisnant moved that “the HPC has reviewed and discussed the proposed additions and technical corrections to the Moorefields National Register nomination and finds that these adjustments meet the criteria required for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and as stated in the draft updated nomination. We recommend that the amended nomination be submitted for listing in the Register and authorize the chair to sign the recommendation letter, to be conveyed to the Board of County Commissioners and the SHPO.” Eric Deetz seconded the motion and the commission carried it.

Staff told the commission the HPC’s recommendation will be reported to the Board of County Commissioners at their Feb. 10 work session, and if approved there it can be sent to the State Historic Preservation Office by the SHPO deadline on Feb. 12.

The commission’s action endorses the technical corrections and boundary additions described in the draft nomination; the HPC’s recommendation does not itself effect National Register listing, which is processed through the Board of County Commissioners and the State Historic Preservation Office.