“...everything about Hayes speaks to the beauty and importance of 19th century eastern NC.”
Down East Preservation has partnered with our friend Andrew Ownbey in efforts to restore the grounds of Hayes and all of its outbuildings.
In collaboration with our friends at the Elizabeth Van Moore Foundation, we are tangibly saving history at every moment we spend at Hayes. We are working to stabilize the Gin House, saving 19th century carriages, and restoring the failing carriage house.
The result of our efforts in conjunction with our friends and partners, is a 180-acre North Carolina historic park that will be central to the life of the people of Edenton, but also serve as an attraction for people from all over our state and nation.
This is a place where people will learn about this time in history. We will learn about those involved here and their different points of view, from the owners of the farm to the enslaved people. It will be a place that will teach us about the past, providing us with perspective on today.
Hayes Team Lead
Joe Youmans
Joe joined the DEP team in August of 2020. He is true definition of a leader, as he teaches his team skills through the passion he has for his work. He leaves no detail incomplete and takes pride in his finished product while restoring historical elements of a structure. Joe states his position as Lead for the restoration of Hayes is “an opportunity of a lifetime”.
To learn more about the historical significance and restoration of Hayes, follow the Elizabeth Vann Moore Foundation on instagram.