2016-3 Remembrances Special EditionCity of Schertz
Remembrances Special Edition Article 2016-3
Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee Sources: National Trust for Historic Preservation Web Site National Preservation Month and Local Schertz Response
May 2016 is designated as National Preservation Month by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation. The National Trust organization is a Washington D.C.-based entity begun in 1973 for the purpose of “protecting significant places representing our diverse cultural experiences by taking direct action and inspiring broad public support.” This is a privately funded non-profit organization with several subsidiaries and affiliates to include: National Main Street Center
(committed to historic preservation-based community revitalization); National Trust Community
Investment Corporation (enables equity investments in projects that qualify for federal and state solar, historic, and new markets tax credits); National Trust Insurance Services (offers comprehensive insurance solutions to historic property owners and preservation organizations); and, National Trust Tours (authority on group cultural heritage travel experiences worldwide).
The history of preservation efforts reaches as far back as 1850 when George Washington’s home was put up for sale without initial success. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association fought to keep the house from becoming a local resort and raised the funds to purchase the property. The Association was the spark that led to the development of other organizations concerned with
preservation. The 1906 Antiquities Act was an important step in preserving antiquities on public lands and for declaring specific pieces of land as national monuments. The National Park Service was established in 1916 (centennial anniversary this year) which gave the Department of Interior authority to regulate and manage public space, buildings, monuments and sites. In 1935, Congress formed the Historic Sites Act that established national policy for preservation and
allowed the Secretary of Interior to create programs on behalf of preservation efforts. In 1946, President Harry Truman signed the National Trust for Historic Preservation Act. The 1950s and 1960s saw the national highway system and urban renewal programs create destruction in many downtown historic districts. The National Historic Preservation Act was
established in 1966 and provided for several institutions to include: Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; State Historic Preservation Office; National Registry of Historic Places; and, Section 106 review process (meant to minimize harm and damage to historic properties). The 1966 Act formally recognized historic preservation as an important element of United States policy. The inspiring words of the Act reflect the national commitment:
The historical and cultural foundation of the Nation should be preserved as a living part of our community life and development in order to give a sense of orientation to the American people…the preservation of this irreplaceable heritage is in the public interest so that its vital legacy of cultural, educational,
aesthetic, inspirational, economic and energy benefits will be maintained
and enriched for future generations of Americans.”
During the month of May, in observance of National Preservation Month, communities
throughout the United States organize special events and activities to support preservation of historic places. These activities are meant to contribute to building a sense of pride within the communities as to their historic components.
This year, in recognition of National Preservation Month, the Schertz Historical Preservation
Committee has been busy planning activities to celebrate preservation within our city. First among the events will be the issuance of a proclamation by the Mayor of Schertz at the May 3rd City Council meeting declaring the month of May preservation month in the City of Schertz. There will be two dedication events which will include the unveiling of historic recognition
banners in the Aviation Heights neighborhood (recently named a “Heritage Neighborhood by the
Schertz City Council) and the unveiling of two monarch butterfly sculptures at local public garden areas (Guadalupe Community Gardens & Gutierrez Park). On May 21st the Historical Preservation Committee will sponsor a historical preservation symposium at the Schertz City Council Chamber Building (1400 Schertz Parkway) from 10:00am to noon. For further
information on these events contact Dean at telephone #210-651-0394.
The Schertz Historical Preservation Committee seeks to encourage preservation awareness through programs like those mentioned above. We do so because we believe that the collective resources to be preserved shape our community’s sense of place, provide economic revitalization
and secure a more sustainable future for our city.