CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The years have had their way with many of the murals around Chapel Hill, but one group is trying to turn back time to preserve them.

"I was a house painter who knew how to move a lot of paint around," said Michael Brown, who painted 18 of the murals nearly 20 years ago. "We did one, and everyone liked it so we did two and everyone liked it even more."

Brown said each one represents something special about the town.

"I don't think we ever foresaw how much people would become attached to them," he said.

As they years have passed, graffiti has made its way onto the murals. The paints begun chipping, the color has started fading, and some businesses are considering painting over them.

But that could change if one group has its way.

The Chapel Hill Preservation Society is now starting a "Save the Murals" campaign. Executive Director Ernest Dollar says the murals are too valuable to let them go.

 "The murals have been here for long that they've really become a part of what it means to be from Chapel Hill," said Dollar.

He said there is a solution that might help the cause.

"Put in place some covenants so in upcoming years, business owners will agree not to paint over them."

In reality, Michael Brown never really expected the murals to last forever.

"But I'd have to say that there are half a dozen that would be very disappointing to me if they were painted over."

After all, they've been a staple for the town.

"I wanted to share what I love with a great number of people," said Brown.

The Chapel Hill Preservation Society is conducting a public comment survey to see what residents think about the mural.  You can share your comments by e-mailing savethemurals@mail.com