Chapel Hill Historical Society and Preservation Chapel Hill are presenting several free walking tours this fall.
Heart of the Hill Tours promise to engage, surprise, educate and inspire you to understand Chapel Hill in a new way.
They are 60-90 minutes long and are free, and are organized by Missy Julian-Fox and volunteer tour leaders.
Each tour has been designed by the individual guide to share pieces of Chapel Hill’s collective story and town spirit through history, lore and personal experience.
Follow these links to learn more about the two organizations (and consider a donation):
You might also be interested in these other free walking tours of Chapel Hill, and of more free walking tours around the Triangle.
Fall 2019 Heart of the Hill Tours
Sign up for any of the following tours. When you do that you’ll receive an email with all the details.
Beneath Our Feet: An Archeological Look at Chapel Hill’s Earliest Days
Friday, October 4th, 2019
3:30 p.m.
Over the past 70 years, virtually all of the major discoveries in the understanding of North Carolina’s ancient past can be attributed to the Research Labs of Archeology (RLA) or to researchers trained there. Steve Davis, associate director of RLA and professor of archeology, will lead us to several former archaeological sites nearby and share artifacts and found objects of the people here in the early days of Chapel Hill – and before. A perfect launch for Heart of the Hill Tours in honor of “Chapel Hill 1819-2019!”
Happy Birthday, Carolina! Kids Edition!
Saturday, October 12th, 2019
10 a.m.
Susan Worley moved to Chapel Hill when she was six – and been a devoted fan ever since! With both undergrad and graduate degrees from Carolina, Susan has been the Executive Director of Volunteers for Youth since 1988. She has also been the tour guide for Estes Hills third graders, leading them on a tour of downtown & campus to learn more about where they live. On this special tour for kids and families, Susan will include a trip to the Old Well to see the colorful University Day procession and, of course, to enjoy a bit of birthday cake!
Special Halloween Edition: Chillz on the Hill
Friday, October 18th, 2019
8 p.m.
Yes, Chapel Hill does indeed host a few ghosts! We invite you to don your Halloween costume for a moonlight walk on campus for stories of mystery and history with writer, storyteller, educator and costumed tour guide, Dr. Sarah George-Waterfield.
Walk This Way!
Friday, November 8th, 2019
3:30 p.m.
In ninety minutes you will walk up one side of Franklin Street and down the other in Chapel Hill’s first historic district. Learn about the history of the old village and America’s first public university through the stories, impact and influence of the people that lived along the street. Stephen and Sandra Rich are seasoned tour guides for Preservation Chapel Hill and active volunteers around town and campus since their return in 2003.
Campus Architecture
Saturday, November 9th, 2019
10 a.m.
Guided by JJ Bauer, UNC Professor of Art and Art History. Our UNC campus is a virtual, illustrated history book of architecture with its various styles, features and flourishes – all working in concert to bring character, substance and beauty to our built environment. In celebration of a revised edition of John Allcott’s “The Campus at Chapel Hill,” published this fall by the Chapel Hill Historical Society.
Chapel Hill, Six Feet Under: A Tour of Chapel Hill’s Cemetery
Friday, November 15th, 2019
3:30 p.m.
Tim Kuhn will lead you through our historic town cemetery for facts, fun and hard truths of Chapel Hill’s former citizens.
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