THE SUMMIT II ON MAY 3, 2012 WAS A GREAT SUCCESS. STAY TUNED TO SEE THE RESULTS OF COMMENTS AND IDEAS THAT CAME OUT OF THE SUMMIT II.
THANKS FOR ALL OF YOU WHO MADE THIS SUCCESSFUL!
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE NOTES COMING OUT OF THE SUMMIT.
If you have questions or comments please let me know:
Statler Gilfillen
statlergilfillen@hotmail.com
Orange County Historic Preservation Summit
May 3, 2012
The following are participants’ suggestions from the “Coordinating and Sharing Information” discussion group, moderated by Steve Rankin.
1. Apparently, as also suggested by the other groups, this group desired some sort of Internet “platform” to be developed; a listserv was the most mentioned aspect. NOT a blog (WordPress, etc.).
2. Each involved organization to contribute a one-paragraph summary of what they do and perhaps who they consist of (people-wise), to be used for a joint publicly-accessible website and/or “directory” for each organization
3. Tourism: statistics sharing (like where people are from, what else they’re doing in the county, etc.); also trying to get some of the money from the sales tax increase for various tourism uses
4. Meet at least once a year (more, if possible) for various information sharing sessions.
Steve Rankin, Orange Co. Historic Preservation Commission
Bill Crowther, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust
Bob Schreiner, Chapel Hill Historical Society
Susan Smith, Chapel Hill Historic District Commission
Stephanie Trueblood, Hillsborough Historic District Commission
Sarah DeGennaro, Alliance for Historic Hillsborough
Orange County Historic Preservation Summit
May 3, 2012
The following are participants’ suggestions and/or reports resulting from the “Combining Forces” and “Education” discussion groups, moderated by Bob Ireland and Statler Gifillen respectively.
- The topic of “Combining Forces” was discussed by a group that grew from 3 to 8 people. The second topic, “Education,” was examined by the same group during the final 15 minutes of discussion.
- The method employed consisted of a review of the 2009 topics to determine what progress had been made since then. During this portion of discussion several key points were added:
a) The topic of creating a free-standing Heritage Center was explained and Tom Magnuson pointed out that at a major genealogical conference in Raleigh, Orange County was not even represented, despite the fact that nearly 40% of Americans have had relatives pass through the region. He recommended the creation of a convention kit to aid the growing number of people in search of family heritage. It was also pointed out that financial concerns were given as main reason for rejecting the Heritage Center in the past. The Director of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor’s Center was asked to join this group for further consideration of this issue.
b) A secondary consideration regarding this issue was the fact that many genealogical sources and tools are available on line (via the State Library), but few people are aware of where or how to find them.
c) This point led to the observations that:
- The County needs to better advertise its historical assets.
- There is an apparent lack of coordination between towns and among groups.
d) A second topic of considerable interest was the present plight and future of the Colonial Inn in Hillsborough. One person pointed out that even though it is legally outside the jurisdiction of the OCHPC, it was still a very important building of considerable historical significance and should not be permitted to deteriorate any further. This point of concern was voiced to the re-assembled group and drew some spirited debate. Though it was explained that Hillsborough had done all within its powers to force the owner to comply with the laws, it was also noted that several possible buyers had signified an interest, but zoning laws prohibited it ever being a restaurant again. A suggestion was made to request that eviction through imminent domain and sale to the highest bidder be explored.
e) Another 2009 topic that remains problematic is the lack of definition and willingness to assume responsibility for the Extra-territorial Jurisdiction areas, which contain historic structures. One of the suggested means of achieving this objective was by inviting a few key Commissioners and Town Board(s) members to come to an informational session, where we could explain and evidence our concerns. Another suggestion was made that we enlist the support of various neighborhood groups in the county, who might apply additional pressure on their representative in local government.
f) Tom Allison and another participant agreed that another approach – the formation of a Heritage Foundation might serve all of the concerns by creating a Center and using it to provide some of the information, such as how to establish a Trust, and what to do when facing issues like those detailed in the “Cemetery” presentation.
3. The topic of Education seemed to offer even more examples of the need for improved cooperation and communication among and between groups. There was a healthy discussion over the advantages of forming an informal, un-attached website that could post a wide range of information not commonly available on current official sites.
a) Examples of informational gaps and areas requiring greater cooperation and collaboration were:
- Tax advantages/tax credits for historic properties
- Land Trusts
- Easements
- Federal programs available, but largely unknown.
- Other preservation programs and their achievements.
b) The area of Education seemed to rest upon the assumption that because of a strong sense of territoriality and turf control, the present system misses many opportunities to share and work together on common interests.
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The top three outcomes (actions) called for by the members of this group were:
- Establish an Orange County Heritage Center to serve as a family history center and as a website for preservation topics and links.
- Form an ad-hoc group of individuals representing many different groups – Towns, County, private, Preservation, etc. in order to focus concerns on key elected officials.
- Create either a more user-friendly website (for Preservation issues) on the existing County, Town, etc. site; or create a separate website to specifically serve the Preservation community of Orange County.
It was agreed that all of the members of both topic groups be made aware of each of the other 2009 topic groups, and form a de-facto sharing group which will continue to plan further actions in support of these issues.
Orange County Historic Preservation Summit
May 3, 2012
Outlined below are participants’ suggestions and/or reports from the “Engaging the Public” discussion group, moderated by Rob Golan.
Rob Golan, moderator, Orange County Historic Preservation Commission: Rob urges the continuing development of multi-use recreational/historic parks in the outlying county such as the Blackwood and Cates farms. Residents who are not particularly interested in local history will be exposed to such while personally enjoying the benefits of tangible historic preservation. Parks can be a breeding ground for converts to our cause. (robgol@mindspring.com)
Ernie Dollar, Preservation Society of Chapel Hill: Local newspapers have proven his best venue for spreading the message as regards events, accomplishments and goals. Press releases – written by us – are also useful for generating funds and encouraging preservation-friendly behavior on the part of elected officials. Ernie is also reaching out to the county’s black community by developing an “African-American Heritage Corridor” in the Eubanks Rd. area of Chapel Hill. He notes that there is a growing interest in genealogy among African-Americans and predicts increasing black participation in local preservation. (CHpreservation@mindspring.com)
Richard Ellington, Chapel Hill Historical Society: Though familiar with the county’s various preservation organizations, Richard finds each somewhat proprietary with information and resources. Private individuals, professionals and board members should be made aware of what is at their disposal and have easy access to it. As matters stand in Orange County, it requires unnecessary research to locate materials for effective research. (Richard_Ellington@UNC.edu)
Sheryl Forbis, Historic Carrboro Plaque Program: Genealogy is a major catalyst spurring public interest in local history. Sheryl’s personal experience in this arena has led to an appreciation of documentary photographs. She suggests that the preservation community stress to the public the importance of identifying a photograph’s subject(s) for the benefit of future generations. Researchers would find an accessible electronic archive of local images highly useful. (sforbis@nc.rr.com)
Brandie Fields, Orange County Historical Museum: Brandie continues to refine the museum’s mission of public service and outreach. Her current projects include making an inventory of holdings, upgrading exhibits and promoting awareness of the museum in southern Orange County, which was previously served by the now defunct Chapel Hill Historical Museum. An upcoming exhibit focusing on Hillsborough’s historic churches will also soon be open to the public. (director@orangenchistory.org)
N.B. The group unanimously favored a shared internet platform for the county’s preservation organizations. Such an electronic alliance would make an effective tool for “engaging the public.”
END OF NOTES
ORIGINAL INTRODUCTION MATERIAL BELOW
Upcoming Preservation Summit II to be held:
May 3, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm
At the historic Orange County Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
This summit is being sponsored by
The Orange County Historic Preservation Commission.
The Orange County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) guides the designation of historic sites and provides preservation policy recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Orange County’s Historic Preservation Plan (Historic Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan) was adopted in 1996, in an effort to preserve Orange County’s rich historical character.
The Historic Preservation Commission is a citizen advisory board comprised of 7 members, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Appointment for some positions requires experience or expertise in the field of architecture and historic preservation.
More details of the Historic Preservation Commission can be found at the Orange County web site at:
http://www.co.orange.nc.us/ercd/historic_preservation_commission.asp
Hillsborough NC Courthouse
Map of Old Courthouse in Hillsborough
The assumption is that everyone coming knows exactly where the old courthouse in Hillsborough is located. For me that could be a bad assumption. If you have never been to Hillsborough and do not know where the Courthouse is, please Google or global position the site. The image above will enlarge if you click on it. South Churton Street is also State Route 86 that comes out of Chapel Hill. If all else fails, you can try to reach me on my cell phone (1-919- 257-9224) and I will try help you if you are lost. I only suggest this to those who like me knew where they were going only to find out later that I was late in the wrong place. On May 3 if phone rings busy, it will mean that you are not only person lost. Statler Gilfillen
This web site has been prepared specifically for the Historic Preservation Summit II by Statler Gilfillen Architect MBA. You can reach me at statlergil@hotmail.com or by phone at 919-732-6123
Preservation Orange County 