Thomas, who serves as a restoration specialist for the State Historic Historic Preservation Office, spoke Sunday at the annual Halifax Day, an event which recognizes the anniversary of the Halifax Resolves.

Sunday marked the 239th anniversary of the signing of the document, which became the first call for independence from British Rule.

Wrenn Phillips, chair of the Historical Halifax Restoration Association, presented the award to Thomas for his work on projects like the William R. Davie house and work on the historic jail as well as other statewide projects such as discovering the oldest house in North Carolina located in Edenton.

Thomas works in 18 counties in the northeastern region providing technical restoration assistance to public and private projects.

In his talk, Thomas concentrated on gambrel style roof structures that were common at the time of the resolves. “Halifax really had a large number of gambrel roof houses. This house type was prolific. It was a popular house style. The Owens house is a fine example. The Tap Room is a fascinating building. Thankfully this building was rescued.”

There were numerous reasons the buildings were popular, Thomas said. “They were said to be cheaper to build and had more space. I think the reason they were built is that it was all the rage. It was extremely popular.”

He spoke briefly on the ongoing work being done on restoration of the Bradford Denton House, which has been moved to Halifax. “It was very much endangered. I thank the association for rescuing this important house. It's a come a long way.”

The importance of the house, Phillips noted, is linked to Colonel John Bradford, one of the delegates in the Fourth Provincial Congress, which framed the resolves.

Thomas, who is also consulting on restoration projects on King Street, said he is pleased with the efforts under way in Halifax. “It's a great place. I feel like it's coming back.”