Preservation Alliance of WV is gearing up to start reviewing nominations to the 2013 West Virginia Endangered Properties List! For those not directly involved in a historic preservation organization, you might be wondering what an endangered list is. Endangered lists are used by preservation organizations to bring attention to the plight of at-risk properties and to provide assistance to the dedicated organizations involved in their preservation. The selected properties contribute to our understanding of our heritage, which will be diminished if they are lost. Types of properties already listed on the PAWV Endangered Properties List include archaeological sites, bridges, county courthouses, churches, hotels, and schools, among other types of structures/landscapes. To be considered an endangered historic resource, these properties must be listed on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and meet other criteria such as historic significance, preservation emergency and local support. Local support is essential because we want to work directly with local property stewards or organizations working to save the property. They are the grassroots forces with the ideas for how these historic treasures can be reused to benefit their community, and they are ultimately doing all the major work. Without local support for the preservation of an endangered resource, it is impossible for us to help. So what’s great about this list is that it highlights the efforts of local people. Another key point is that the list helps us to identify local preservation work, and as the statewide nonprofit historic preservation organization, we can provide free technical assistance (grant writing, structural needs assessments, etc.), advocate and market for the group, and bring this project to the forefront of decision makers and preservation professionals in the state. The ultimate goal of the endangered list is to de-list the properties. Preservation successes call for de-listing and, unfortunately, losses do too. But for a success we hope to raise enough support for the local property stewards to rehabilitate, protect, and/or preserve the endangered property. If it is appropriate, another aim we have with this list is to secure another use for the historic resource. Just because something is historic, it does not need to be frozen in time or turned into a museum. Historic preservationists frequently advocate for a new use and reuse of a historic structure all the while preserving the historic details that make this site so significant and memorable. We want to reuse our historic treasures, but we don’t want to forget what made them so important to us to initially. Landscapes and the built environment are physical reminders of our past helps us to plan for our future. Properties are selected through a competitive application process. If you have a property in mind for the 2013 endangered list, click HERE for a nomination form and information on how to apply. Applications are due 15 November 2012. For more information on previous years lists, visit HERE. I am really excited about having some of the conference events at Claymont Court, which was constructed in 1840 in the Georgian style for Bushrod Corbin Washington, a grand-nephew of George Washington. I had the pleasure of staying there last fall while scouting conference locations and enjoyed my over-night stay in the mansion. No ghost encounters for me, fortunately, and when I walked the grounds alone one evening, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm from the site. The historic mansion and grounds are beautifully-preserved, and it’s a very peaceful environment – a great place for learning! From my short stay, I can see why John G. Bennett chose this as the location for his nine-month Fourth Way school back in 1974. Not only is the mansion fabulous, but its location is very quiet, as it is tucked among rolling hills about 4 miles outside of Charles Town. Conference participants are going to learn so much during their time at Claymont Court, and I think it will be relaxing, as well. While at Claymont, you can wander the grounds, visit the new Native American museum, or venture to the grand barn. It is a place for introspection and self-development, as intended by Mr. Bennett, but it is also the perfect setting for spending time with like-minded folks. When you aren’t engulfed in one of the educational sessions, you will have time to share stories with others and learn from sharing these experiences. I hope many people will take advantage of this opportunity and join me in enhancing the historic preservation ethos throughout the mountain state.
Want to know more about the PAWV? Watch this video to learn about our mission and some of our programs. Video credit: Walkabout Company AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PLANNERS CERTIFICATE MAINTENANCE TRAINING SEMINAR SCHEDULED7/29/2012
Join Preservation Alliance of WV in Charleston on Thursday, September 13th for an American Institute of Certified Planners Certificate Maintenance Training Seminar.
Earn law & ethics credits at this training! You can earn 3.5 total credit hours at this training. There is a $25 fee with lunch included. Add $15 and become a PAWV member at a discounted rate! Register by contacting [email protected] or by calling 304.345.6005. Location: Homeowner Education & Community Center at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 301 Piedmont Road, Charleston, WV Time: 9am-1:30pm Click HERE for more information about the schedule! Thanks for visiting the blog for Preservation Alliance of WV.
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