[Heritage] Oregon Heritage News 2004-01-21

[INFO Heritage]

In this issue:
1.'Preserving Oregon' grants available
2.  Signature event selects new dates
3.  African American history program set for educators


'PRESERVING OREGON' GRANTS AVAILABLE

The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is accepting applications for "Preserving Oregon" grants made available to support historic preservation rehabilitation projects in rural areas and urban neighborhoods throughout Oregon.

To qualify, a historic property must be currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a "contributing property" in a historic district. Applications are due February 27, and approved projects, which must be completed no later than May 1, 2005, can begin May 1, 2004.

Complete information on eligibility and a downloadable application form are available at < http://hcd.state.or.us/shpo/services_grants.php >, or by contacting SHPO Grants Coordinator Kimberly Dunn (e-mail: kimberly.dunn at state.or.us; phone 503-986-0670).

Proposed projects must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Properties. Examples of projects that meet eligibility requirements include roof and gutter repair, foundation work, structural stabilization, weatherization, painting and the replacement of deteriorated historic features. Ineligible projects include remodeling, construction of new additions and projects proposed only for cosmetic purposes. Projects involving commercial or depreciable properties that qualify for federal investment tax credits also are  ineligible.

The 2003 Oregon Legislative Assembly appropriated $250,000 in lottery funds to fund the grants, which range from $5,000-$20,000 and require a 50-50 match. "We have set a $20,000 limit in order to benefit more properties across the state," said Dunn. 

Dunn said that higher priority will be given to public non-profit properties, private (non-commercial) properties and properties offering the greatest public benefit through visual access and interpretive/educational value. "Geographic distribution and historic significance of the property also will be considered," she added.


SIGNATURE EVENT SELECTS NEW DATES

In response to research, expressed community needs and other planned events, the board of Destination: The Pacific has decided to move its planned Lewis and Clark Bicentennial signature event at the mouth of the Columbia River to the Veterans Day weekend in 2005.

Destination: The Pacific, the only major Lewis and Clark Bicentennial signature event in Oregon and Washington, will now take place Nov. 11-15, 2005. The themes for the weekend's commemoration will be the arrival, achievement of the mission, and meeting with the Chinook; the vote that marked a significant moment in the Corps' leadership; the crossing of the Columbia River; and wintering over at Fort Clatsop, journaling and maps, the expedition's relationships with the Clatsops and their exploration of the region.

Major events planned for the weekend include a forum Lewis and Clark, diplomacy, and stewardship; a festival; performing arts programs; and the dedication of a new state and national park at Station Camp.

Following the 5-day event, Destination:The Pacific plans five other programs on historic dates: November 24 the vote; Christmas/New Years at Fort Clatsop; January Saltmakers Return; February Tillamook Head Trail to Ecola Creek; and March 23 the departure. More information about Destination: The Pacific is available at lcba at lewisandclarkcoast.com


AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY PROGRAM SET FOR EDUCATORS

In honor of Black History Month, the Oregon Historical Society will host an educators' seminar that explores the importance of African American history in Portland and the Pacific Northwest.  

The first half of the seminar session includes a presentation by Portland State University professor of black studies Darrell Millner.  Topics include the historical experience of African-Americans in Portland and Oregon, the legal and governmental actions that affected African-American life and the short and long term effects of laws on the African-American community.  The second half of the seminar session stresses teaching methodologies. Teachers will leave the seminar with a lesson plan and a packet of related primary source documents.

This seminar is designed for high school teachers and college students studying education and black studies.  Professional development units are available.  

This program is free and takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m Feb. 7 at the Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland (1200 SW Park Ave.). Space is limited. Please contact Tania Hyatt-Evenson, Education Programs Associate, at 503.306.5232 or taniah at ohs.org to reserve a space at this seminar. 
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Oregon Heritage News is a service of the Oregon Heritage Commission.