The Chapel Hill Historical Society recognizes these individuals and couples for their contributions to the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and the surrounding area over the years. The program began in 2008, and continues as one of the Historical Society's most well-attended events. Each individual receives a proclamation from the office of their Mayor or County Commissioner, which is read aloud at the event. The photographs and citations are on view in our office in the library and at the Seymour Center on Homestead Road, as are the documents from previous years.
2019 Community Treasures
The individuals selected as 2019 Community and Town Treasures have served as active volunteers, dedicated professionals, and committed public servants, to make the town a more exciting, progressive, and enlightened area in which to live and work.The Historical Society is grateful to Sarah Geer, Lois Annab, Tom Jepsen, Marsha Jepsen, Pat Oglesby, Valerie Yow, Kim Talikoff and Richard Ellington for interviewing the Treasures and preparing the narratives of their accomplishments. Thanks also to David Gellatly and Dave Otto for photography and to Gordon Neville for coordinating transportation.
Eva Barnett Erwin Danziger Braxton Foushee Dorothy Johnson
Lynn Knauff Sallie Pendergraft Sandra and Stephen Rich Marsha Warren
A collage of photos from the event is available here
2018 Community Treasures
We have changed the name of our annual event to "Community Treasures" to be more inclusive of not only the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, but also the surrounding area and communities of Orange County. The 2018 Community Treasures event was organized by a committee consisting of Sarah Geer, Richard Ellington, Barbara Pipkin, Marsha Jepsen, Kim Talikoff, and Tom Jepsen. Pat Oglesby, Bill Burlingame, and Valerie Yow assisted with interviews. Eleanor Morris, Marlene Dickison, Kris Lalumiere, and Lois Annab helped with meeting and reception arrangements. The photography was contributed by David Gellatly and Dave Otto. Proclamations were presented by Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger, Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle, and Orange County Commissioner Barry jacobs. The Historical Society is grateful to the Chapel Hill Public Library for its generous support, and to the Town of Chapel Hill for providing transportation to the event. You can find photos and biographies of each of our 2018 Community Treasures below:
2017 Town Treasures
The 2017 Town Treasures event was organized by a committee consisting of Sarah Geer, Richard Ellington, Barbara Pipkin, Marsha Jepsen, and Tom Jepsen. Pat Oglesby assisted with interviews. Eleanor Morris, Marlene Dickison, Kris Lalumiere, and Susan Newrock helped with meeting and reception arrangements. The photography was contributed by David Gellatly and Dave Otto. Proclamations were presented by Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger and Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle. The Historical Society is grateful to the Chapel Hill Public Library for its generous support. You can find photos and biographies of each of our 2017 Town Treasures below:
2016 Town Treasures
The 2016 Town Treasures event was organized by a committee consisting of Sarah Geer, Richard Ellington, Barbara Pipkin, Marsha Jepsen, and Tom Jepsen. Susan Worley and Valerie Yow assisted with interviews. The photography was contributed by David Gellatly and Bill Burlingame. This year, proclamations were presented by Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger and Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle. The Historical Society is grateful to the Chapel Hill Public Library for its generous support. You can find photos and biographies of each of our 2016 Town Treasures below:
2015 Town Treasures
The 2015 Town Treasures event was organized by a committee consisting of Eleanor Morris, Marsha Jepsen, and Tom Jepsen. Bill Burlingame, Marlene Dickison, and Valerie Yow assisted with interviews. The photography was contributed by Bob Schreiner and Linda Jacobson. The Historical Society is grateful to the Chapel Hill Public Library for its generous support. You can find photos and biographies of each of our 2015 Town Treasures below:
2014 Town Treasures
The 2014 Town Treasures event was organized by a committee consisting of Laurie Norman, Eleanor Morris, Philip Brown, and Tom Jepsen. The photography was contributed by Michael Hobbs and writing by Lindsay Ogles. The Historical Society is grateful to the Chapel Hill Public Library for its generous support. You can find photos and biographies of each of our 2014 Town Treasures below:
2013 Town Treasures
Laurie Norman coordinated this year's event, along with Eleanor Morris. The photography was contributed by Michael Hobbs and writing by Margot Lester and Elizabeth Swaringen. The Historical Society is grateful to the Seymour Center for its generous support. You can find photos and biographies of each of our 2013 Town Treasures below:
2012 Town Treasures
This exhibit of photographs and memoirs honors individuals who have guided, protected, taught and led the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Chapel Hill native and professional photographer, Catharine Carter, captured images of these Town Treasures and The Chapel Hill Historical Society compiled their favorite recollections and their hopes for the future. Each honoree was asked to reflect on four questions:
- Which of your contributions do you find most gratifying?
- What is the most significant way the community has changed?
- What is your fondest memory of Chapel Hill and Carrboro?
- What is your hope for the future of our community?
The annual recognition of Town Treasures has been a project of the Chapel Hill Historical Society that fulfills the mission of making the past present. In honoring these individuals, we give them a heartfelt "Thank you!" and aim to inspire others to actively serve our community. You can find photos and biographies of each of our 2012 Town Treasures below:
2008 - 2011 Town Treasures
You can find photos and biographies of previous CHHS Town Treasures here.
The biographies are in PDF format and require Adobe Reader in order to view them.
