Percy and Veronica Kelley were honored for their preservation efforts in several North Carolina downtowns, including Tarboro, Goldsboro, Scotland Neck and Rocky Mount.

Percy and Veronica Kelley's preservation efforts can be seen in many places across the state. Following a successful renovation experience in Wilmington, Delaware, the couple moved to Goldsboro in 1989 to purchase and restore a historic residence near the courthouse. After selling that home, the couple moved on to Snow Hill, where they bought and restored two houses, before relocating to Tarboro, where they restored a 1950s brick home and the Ritz Square Hotel.

Growing up in a 200-year-old home on his family's farm on the eastern shore of Maryland gave Percy an appreciation of history and historic buildings from an early age. Since his marriage to Veronica in 1975, the couple has taken on preservation challenges that many others have shied away from. The couple has also undertaken restoration work in Weldon, Scotland Neck, Enfield, Spring Hope and Rocky Mount. This region would certainly benefit from more preservation-minded entrepreneurs like the Kelleys.

Currently the Kelleys are working on the restoration of the Archibald White House in Tarboro. They remain excited by the prospect of preserving historic properties and by the energy created in the communities where they have tackled preservation challenges. Their work has inspired others to do the same, promoting the revitalization of several downtown areas throughout the state.

Preservation North Carolina is pleased to present Percy and Veronica Kelley with a 2008 Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit.