MARCH 25, 2010 ISSUE
Boone Named a Preserve America Community
From left, Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson, Town Council Member Rennie Brantz and state Rep. Cullie Tarleton were among attendees at a reception at the Jones House March 22 celebrating Boone’s designation as a Preserve America Community. Preserve America is a federal program. Photo by Ken KetchieElected officials, Boone town staff and arts and history representatives gathered at the Jones House Community Center March 22 for a reception celebrating Boone’s selection as a Preserve America Community.
Preserve America is a federal program that seeks to actively involve Americans in preserving America’s heritage and in increasing the positive economic, educational, environmental and cultural benefits of preservation to their communities. The town recently received a letter and certificate signed by First Lady Michelle Obama. Boone is one of 814 communities to receive the designation since the program started in 2003.
“We should all stand tall with great pride today as our good works preserving, protecting and expanding the preservation of the history of our community has been recognized by none other than the White House,” said Mayor Loretta Clawson in a speech at the reception.
Among other benefits, the designation makes the town eligible to apply for Preserve America Grants.
More than $20 million in matching grants ranging from $20,000 to $250,000 has been awarded to 259 projects throughout the country since 2006 to support community efforts to demonstrate sustainable uses of their historic and cultural sites, focusing on economic and educational opportunities related to heritage tourism.
Clawson said that renovations to the downtown Post Office, which the town recently purchased, would be at the top of the list for potential grant applications.
The town will also receive Preserve America Community road signs; authorization to use the Preserve America logo on signs, flags, banners and promotional materials; listing in a web-based Preserve America Community directory; inclusion in national and regional press releases; official notification of designation to state tourism offices and visitors bureaus; and enhanced community visibility and pride.
Preserve America Communities are also featured in National Register Travel Itineraries and in “Teaching with Historic Places” curricular material created by the National Park Service.
“Boone has a rich heritage in so many different ways,” said Rennie Brantz, a Boone Town Council member and member of the town’s Historic Preservation Commission. “It’s easy to push ahead and not look backwards…but our history defines who we are.”
Also in attendance were state Rep. Cullie Tarleton (D-93) and a representative from U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s office.
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