Town by Town features Karen Dunlap Vaughan at the historic Heptinstall House, honoring her legacy in preservation, education, and cultural heritage.

(PRUnderground) June 22nd, 2025

A new episode of the documentary video series Town by Town: Celebrating Our Roots pays tribute to Halifax County resident Karen Dunlap Vaughan, an influential voice in historic preservation, cultural heritage, and public education in North Carolina.

Produced by Enfield Alliance and released on YouTube, the episode features an in-depth interview with Vaughan, filmed at her family’s ancestral residence—the 19th-century Heptinstall House—a registered historic property located in Halifax County, NC. https://youtu.be/V_svRBG9owU
The Town by Town series is dedicated to telling the untold stories of local leaders, families, and landmarks that shape the identity of Halifax County, widely recognized as the Birthplace of American Independence due to its role in the signing of the 1776 Halifax Resolves.

In this feature episode, Vaughan—Chair of the Friends of Historic Halifax—offers a personal tour of her home, interwoven with powerful reflections on the importance of preserving history, uplifting underrepresented voices, and educating future generations.

“We’ve always believed that history lives through people and places,” Vaughan says. “It’s been an honor to share our story in hopes that it will help others connect to Halifax County’s place in the American story.”

Episode Highlights Include:
– Vaughan’s early life in South Africa and deep family roots in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Halifax County, NC
– A multigenerational legacy of service, including family members who served in the Spanish-American War and held public office
– Her advocacy for African American history, including honoring enslaved families who lived and worked on the property
– A look at the restored Heptinstall House, filled with artifacts, heirlooms, and Karen’s own original paintings
– Her role in preparing for the upcoming America 250th Commemoration in North Carolina and beyond

As an artist, educator, and preservationist, Vaughan has been a driving force in protecting the cultural heritage of Halifax County. She has served on the board of the NC Museum of History Associates, championed local storytelling, and worked closely with descendants of enslaved families to ensure their stories are honored and remembered.

This episode is more than a family documentary, it is a call to action for individuals, communities, and institutions to invest in local history, heritage tourism, and inclusive preservation. The video underscores the value of oral history, intergenerational storytelling, and community-based archives.
WATCH NOW ON YOUTUBE

https://youtu.be/V_svRBG9owU

Optimized link: https://youtu.be/V_svRBG9owU?si=4-s4CzqrikaOQ4Mg

About Enfield Alliance Coalition

About Enfield Alliance Coalition (EAC)
The Enfield Alliance Coalition (EAC) is a nonprofit, community-driven organization based in Enfield, North Carolina, focused on revitalizing rural towns through cultural preservation, economic development, and civic engagement. Established in response to the UNC–Chapel Hill NCGrowth Economic Impact Study, EAC serves as a hub for grassroots innovation—mobilizing local leaders, businesses, and institutions to promote sustainable growth across Halifax County.

About Town by Town: Celebrating Our Roots
Town by Town: Celebrating Our Roots is the flagship multimedia series of the Enfield Alliance—a living tribute to the heritage, people, places, and possibilities of Halifax County, North Carolina. Produced and directed by Enfield native and community advocate Larry B. Perkins, the series explores the region one story, one town, one voice at a time.
From Revolutionary War landmarks and Bicentennial commemorations to global bird sanctuaries and generational art legacies, Town by Town brings to light the untold stories that shape this remarkable region.
What You’ll Discover:
• The Lafayette Bicentennial in Enfield – A powerful documentary honoring the Hero of Two Worlds and Enfield’s historic stand for liberty
• Legacy in Every Brushstroke – A tour of artist Karen Dunlap Vaughan’s Heptinstall House and her family’s enduring impact
• The Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle – A vibrant community tradition connecting nature and Revolutionary history
• Sylvan Heights Bird Park – A global conservation sanctuary nestled in rural North Carolina
• Hearts Behind the Feathers – Stories of the volunteers and visitors who bring Sylvan Heights to life
Whether you’re a local educator, historian, preservationist, or simply a curious explorer, Town by Town offers compelling, community-rooted storytelling that inspires pride and participation.
Watch the Series: youtube.com/@enfieldalliance2282
Contact: Larry B. Perkins, Executive Producer – lperkins@EnfieldAlliance.com
Website: enfieldalliance.com
Based in Enfield, North Carolina
Because history doesn’t just happen… it lives here.

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Original Press Release.