The Historical Halifax Restoration Association was established in 1954. Local residents and history enthusiasts, Nannie and Emily Gary, had become involved in trying to save and restore the town's quickly vanishing historic buildings. They were able to persuade well-known North Carolina agricultural broadcaster, Ray Wilkinson, to become involved in the project. Ray listened to their stories and took immediate interest. Over the next 50 years, Ray served as Chairman of the Association, overseeing many important restoration projects and presiding over annual Halifax Day events, ceremonies, and meetings. Property acquired by the Association was deeded to the State of North Carolina to begin the formation of the Historic Halifax State Historic Site in 1965. The Historical Halifax Restoration Association continues to actively preserve, restore, and promote Historic Halifax. Among other recent projects, the Association restored and furnished the Tap Room tavern, making this building a main attraction of the historic site.