CHC Orientation—Part 3

Statewide Preservation Plan Connection

Texas Local Government Code - CHC Connection

Excerpt from Texas Local Government, Chapter 318

Sec. 318.0101.  PLANNING.  The commission should work in partnership with other preservation entities in the county to prepare a plan for the preservation of the county's historic and cultural resources. The commission should use the Texas Historical Commission's statewide preservation plan for guidance.

thc.state.tx.us – search using “statewide plan”

Statewide Preservation Plan for Texas

Goal 1: Survey and Online Inventory: Texans undertake a comprehensive survey of the state’s diverse historic and cultural resources resulting in a publicly accessible online inventory.

Goal 2: Emphasize Cultural Landscapes: Preservation practices are enhanced by emphasizing cultural landscapes.  

Goal 3: Implement Policies and Incentives: Cities, counties, and the state implement preservation policies and incentives to effectively manage historic assets.

Goal 4: Leverage Economic Development Tools for Preservation: Communities leverage preservation-based and traditional economic development tools to revitalize historic areas.

Goal 5: Learn and Experience History through Place: Texas residents and guests learn and experience the state’s diverse history through formal education, recreation, and everyday interactions with historic places.

Goal 6: Connect Preservation to Related Fields: Preservation is connected and integrated into related fields and activities, building a broader, stronger, and more diverse community.

Goal 7: Cultivate Political Commitment: Political commitment is cultivated for historic preservation.

Goal 8: Build Capacity of Preservation Community: The existing preservation community develops its capacity to function more effectively and efficiently.

Why contribute to a statewide preservation plan?

• Create a common agenda for the preservation community

• Bring together diverse partners and perspectives

• Provide a unique vehicle for partnership building

• Develop practical, specific and achievable goals

• Illustrate local applications for different stakeholders

• Implement an on-line tool with resources, best practices, case studies and message boards

Texas residents and guests of all ages learn and experience the state’s diverse history through formal education, recreation, and everyday interactions with historic places.

Statewide outcome examples:•4th and 7th grade kids learn community/regional culturally-inclusive history through place•Increased visitation at historic sites statewide

Action ideas and case studies:•Action Idea: Utilize Teacher Service Centers to promote teaching place-based history•Action Idea: Offer preservation education as part of adult leadership program curricula (i.e. Junior League, etc.)•Case Study: Brownsville-21 Project•Case Study: Texas Mountain Trail Cultural and Heritage Bicycle Routes

Web Resources for Teaching Texas HistoryTeaching Texas: Spearheaded by the Texas State Historical Association, this site focuses on nine types of resources (including programming and exhibits at historic sites and museums) for 4th and 7th grade teachers and students, all aligned with the appropriate curriculum standards and TEKs.

Goal 5: Learn and Experience History through Place

We connect and integrate preservation into related fields and activities, building a broader, stronger, and more diverse community.Related fields include, but are not limited to, archeology, anthropology, geography, architecture, environmental conservation, planning, economic development, tourism, education, museums, and genealogy.

Statewide outcome examples:•Historic preservation is a core strategy in sustainability and green building practices•Preservation is a topic at non-preservation conferences/events/trainings•Resources and training provided to real estate professionals

Action Ideas and Case Studies:•Action Idea: Annual Preservation Session at Texas Association of Counties and Texas Municipal League Trainings•Case Study: Galveston Historical Foundation Green Revival •Historic and Green Case Studies: Commercial, Institutional and Residential Examples in Green Historic Buildings in Texas

Download presentations:Greenest Building on the Block by Bess Althaus Graham, AIA, LEED AP, THC

Goal 6: Connect Preservation to Related Fields

Oral History Project –– The purpose of the Victoria CHC oral history project is to “capture the oral narratives of the ethnic cultures represented in the population of Victoria County and its adjacent counties" with "particular emphasis to be placed on family customs and traditions passed on through several generations of descendants in our area." Taped interviews have been placed in the Victoria County Archives as well as in the Regional History Center at the University of Houston-Victoria. Currently, through a partnership with the Victoria College/University of Houston Library, these oral histories are being converted to a digital format. Through a partnership with the Crossroads of Texas Living History Association, a transcription process has been initiated so that these oral history stories can be available to historical researchers, family members, and any interested general public. STATEWIDE PRESERVATION PLAN CONNECTIONSGoal 1: Survey and Online InventoryGoal 5: Learn and Experience History through PlaceGoal 6: Connect Preservation to Related FieldsGoal 8: Build Capacity of Preservation Community

Victoria CHC – 2010 DSA Winner

Brewster CHC – 2010 DSA Winner

Interpretive Signage –– The Brewster CHC has partnered to develop informational signage to be installed along the highways to assist tourism programs in the region. This project is a joint effort between the BCHC and the Brewster County Tourism Council with the use of hotel/motel tax. This program is in cooperation with the Texas Highway Department using highway right-of-way space. It will consist of about 35 new signs with historical information in different locations of Brewster County. A review committee from the BCHC and the Center for Big Bend Studies will assemble historical data for each sign. The archives at Sul Ross State University and other area partners will assist in the research and dedication programs. The project approach and fabrication methods have already been shared with surrounding counties in anticipation of their contribution to this regional tourism and education initiative.  STATEWIDE PRESERVATION PLAN CONNECTIONS Goal 2: Emphasize Cultural LandscapesGoal 4: Leverage Economic Development Tools for PreservationGoal 5: Learn and Experience History through Place

Kerr CHC – 2010 DSA Winner

Community Outreach –– The Kerr CHC contracted with a newcomer welcome service, the Kerr Country Greeters, to publicize opportunities for new county residents to learn of the county's heritage. Newcomers were encouraged to attend meetings for educational presentations and volunteer opportunities. They also were informed about the Kerr CHC archives at the local university where they could become knowledgeable of the county's history through historical marker background information and oral histories plus the many other documents and digital media that make up the Kerr CHC archive collection. Each newcomer was provided brochures that guide driving tours to historical markers and cemeteries and a brochure listing the Kerr CHC's archive content. The packet of materials included an invitation to monthly meetings with the standard meeting time and location. The newcomer welcome service contacted 35 new residents each month, educating them on the opportunities for enjoying our culture and heritage. STATEWIDE PRESERVATION PLAN CONNECTIONSGoal 1: Survey and Online InventoryGoal 2: Emphasize Cultural LandscapesGoal 5: Learn and Experience History through PlaceGoal 8: Build Capacity of Preservation Community

End of Part 3