[Source: Elizabeth Jackman, Glendale Star] -- “Changing Places” has been chosen as the theme for the Fourth Annual Arizona Historic Preservation Conference scheduled for June 15 to 17 at the Glendale Civic Center. Board President of the Arizona Preservation Foundation, Jim McPherson, said Glendale was chosen as the site for this year's conference because of the excellent work Glendale has done in historic preservation, especially the downtown Catlin Court neighborhood. The first conference was in Chandler, the second in Tempe, and the third in Tucson.“There will be three components to the conference, the first will be 36 sessions on a variety of different topics, the second is the 24th Annual Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards luncheon, and the third is the First Annual Home and Heritage Fair,” McPherson said. The 36 sessions are designed to play off this year's theme. “They will be of interest to people who live in urban places, small town and rural places, ancient places (archaeology), Native American places, parks and heritage places, and protecting places,” McPherson said.
Speakers at the conference will include Mayor Elaine Scruggs; author Charles Bowden; noted lecturer on American and general archaeology Brian Fagan; and Ann Pritzlaff, presidential appointee to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington D.C.
Carol St. Clair, president of the Glendale Historical Society, said her organization will be organizing tours of Manistee Ranch, Sahuaro Ranch (pictured above), Historic downtown Glendale and the Catlin Court Historic District.
The 24th Annual Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards luncheon and ceremony will recognize people, organizations, and projects that represent outstanding achievements in preserving Arizona's prehistoric and historic resources.
“We plan to hold our First Annual Home and Heritage Fair on Saturday to increase attendance,” McPherson said. “There is a $15 fee and it is completely open to the public, who can come and go as they please. There will be demos, workshops, and tables with vendors with information on preservation projects.” Topics will include how to research your historic home and neighborhood; rehabilitation for beginners; financial incentives for historic homes; how to buy and sell historic homes; who's who in preservation; advocating for preservation; taking your board from good to great; and preservation roundtable.
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Antiquities Act, the 100th anniversary of Montezuma Castle National Monument, and the 40th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act,” McPherson said. “Preservation advocates have much to celebrate at this year's conference, but much more work must be done to protect Arizona's heritage in this time of frenzied growth.” The conference is open to the public. To register or to get additional information, visit the conference Web site.
