This community-led public history project is to bring back the stories of the black families who built a thriving home-based economy on castle street after emancipation — before their legacy was pushed out of view because of the Wilmington coup of 1898.

We’re restoring visibility through a heritage trail, interpretive signage and markers, a digital archive, and descendant-centered programming that anchors equitable redevelopment in truth‑telling.

We’re combining archival and parcel-level research with descendant/community oral histories, then translate the findings into collaboratively designed interpretive signage, a heritage trail, and a digital archive that launches through public programming and walking tours.With the help of the community and grants, the Collective hopes to bring this endeavor to life!