Tag: historic-preservation
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The Impact of Early Preservation Groups in America
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association, a group formed for the sole purpose of saving George Washington’s stately home on the Potomac River from ruin in the 1850s, is the oldest national historic preservation organization. They formed during when America was still a young nation, less than 100 years old. Homes like Washington’s represented a lasting…
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The Origins of Historic Preservation
The most commonly cited start to the historic preservation movement is the Ladies of Mount Vernon’s valiant effort to raise funds to preserve George Washington’s home. As the first president of the United States, Ann Pamela Cunningham and her fellow advocates were dismayed at the dismal state of his home overlooking the Potomac River. In…
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Valuing Historic Preservationists
The foundations of historic preservation are rooted in volunteerism and community activism. The formal profession evolved centuries after the first attempt to save a home, that to the women with extra time to spare felt was a key symbol of our young nation. After those beginnings we moved into a period of organized activism on…
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Why Old Places Matter
Book Review Old places matter because they provide continuity; memory; individual, civic, state, national, and universal identity; beauty; history; architecture; sacred ties, creativity, learning opportunities, sustainability, a tie to our ancestors, community, and economic value. With so many reasons to keep old buildings standing, its hard to understand why we keep tearing them down and…
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8 Key Benefits of Historic Preservation for Communities
I have long been an advocate for historic preservation. My passion began when I was young, walking among beautiful old buildings. I loved the extensive details they had, especially in the Queen Anne houses, and was drawn to the field of architecture as a result. It took me until the end of my bachelors degree…
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The Planning Lady 