1986
HPS moved from the Trinity-Washington Building to the 14th floor, East Tower, of the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Office Building (a.k.a. the “Twin Towers”) … at Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive and Butler Street (now Jesse Hill Jr. Drive).
The office address at that time was 205 Butler Street, Suite 1462.
State historic preservation office enabling legislation passed by the General Assembly: “State Historic Preservation Office” (OCGA 12-3-50.1).
Established historic preservation as public policy; authorized the state historic preservation office to carry out a statewide historic preservation program; defined duties and responsibilities at state level.
HPS hosted the 10th annual Southeast SHPO regional meeting in Georgia; following the meeting, HPS published the “Unicoi Report” outlining past accomplishments and future challenges and opportunities in the region.
HPS had initiated the Southeast SHPO regional meetings back in 1976 -- the 10th year anniversary of the NHPA. This 1986 meeting was the 10th annual regional meeting -- which also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the NHPA.
Due to ongoing policy differences between the National Park Service and the state historic preservation offices regarding the administration of the national preservation program, several nationally prominent figures including keynote speaker Bob Stipe came to this “regional” meeting “to assess the state of the national program vis-a-vis the states.”
Due to ongoing policy differences between the National Park Service and the state historic preservation offices regarding the administration of the national preservation program, several nationally prominent figures including keynote speaker Bob Stipe came to this “regional” meeting “to assess the state of the national program vis-a-vis the states.”
HPS began developing Georgia’s version of a state historic preservation planning process based on preservation needs, capabilities, and opportunities, and including an enhanced understanding of the state’s historic resources. This initiative would extend well into 1987.
Georgia’s approach to historic preservation planning at the state level (along with those in other states) helped influence the reformulation of NPS preservation planning standards and guidelines (known at the time as the “Resource Protection Planning Process” or “RP3”) to make them more applicable to state historic preservation offices.
HPS participated in a joint NCSHPO/NPS meeting in Tempe, Arizona, regarding historic preservation planning models amid growing concerns about the inapplicability of the NPS “RP3” model for state preservation offices.
See 1987 for continuation …
“A Strategy for Cultural Resource Planning in Georgia” -- an archaeological research and preservation plan -- produced by HPS and the Office of the State Archaeologist (principal author Morgan R. Crook at the state archaeologist’s office).
HPS staff participated in a National Register workshop in Washington, DC, regarding the “50-year” rule for National Register eligibility, exceptions to it, and guidance for invoking this provision.
NPS subsequently revised its National Register guidance bulletin based on recommendations from the workgroup.
HPS conducted its first “economic benefits” study – analyzing the economic effects of federal historic preservation tax credits in Georgia.
These tax credits accrued to property owners of historic income-producing buildings who rehabilitated their buildings following federal historic preservation standards.
This was one of the first such studies in the country, if not the first.
Compilation of data was provided by the Center for Business and Economic Studies at the Small Business Development Center, University of Georgia.
The results were published in a report: “Economic Benefits from the Rehabilitation of Certified Historic Buildings in Georgia.”
This was one of the first such studies in the country, if not the first.
Compilation of data was provided by the Center for Business and Economic Studies at the Small Business Development Center, University of Georgia.
The results were published in a report: “Economic Benefits from the Rehabilitation of Certified Historic Buildings in Georgia.”
HPS architectural staff participated in the first national “historic window preservation conference” in Boston.
The proper treatment of historic windows had become a matter of widespread concern as the number of tax-incentive rehabilitation projects increased across the country as well as in Georgia.
HPS co-sponsored with the Georgia Trust the first “Georgia Downtown Design Team” workshop in Newnan; co-sponsors included the Atlanta and Georgia chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the Newnan Main Street Program.
Responsibility for these popular workshops was eventually transferred to the Department of Community Affairs. HPS remained an active participant.
The federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 restricted the benefits of the previous historic rehabilitation tax credits – and this resulted in a reduction of rehabilitation projects nationally and in Georgia.
1986-1987
Draft inventory and management plan for submerged cultural resources prepared by Dr. Newell Wright at Valdosta State College.
A photograph by HPS photographer Jim Lockhart won first place in the NCSHPO’s “Oldest Buildings in America” photo contest.
His photograph of the 1769 Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Effingham County was featured on the cover of the NCSHPO’s 1988 engagement calendar.
The Georgia legislature appointed a Joint Study Committee on Economic Development through Historic Preservation.
HPS provided staffing and program information.
The Committee recommended full funding ($675,000) for the state’s regional historic preservation planner program and $50,000 for HPS administration of the program.
Other recommendations included establishing a statewide revolving fund for the acquisition of historic properties, providing enhanced technical assistance to the Georgia Main Street program, and supporting the Georgia Reinvestment and Acquisition Trust (“GREAT”). (None of these recommendations was implemented … )
The Committee recommended full funding ($675,000) for the state’s regional historic preservation planner program and $50,000 for HPS administration of the program.
Other recommendations included establishing a statewide revolving fund for the acquisition of historic properties, providing enhanced technical assistance to the Georgia Main Street program, and supporting the Georgia Reinvestment and Acquisition Trust (“GREAT”). (None of these recommendations was implemented … )
DNR Board approved regulations implementing the state’s Submerged Cultural Resources Act.
Permit applications, review procedures, approvals.
1987
HPS participated in a joint NCSHPO/NPS meeting in Washington, DC, regarding historic preservation planning models amid growing concerns about the inapplicability of the NPS “RP3” model for state preservation offices.
This was a follow-up from 1986 Tempe meeting (above).
Georgia’s first state historic preservation office logo designed -- the abstracted “front porch” design.
The new logo was featured on HPS stationery, reports, and publications.
“Survey Coordinator” position established in HPS; the statewide historic resource field survey program was revived with:
new methodology, new paper forms, and a new $25,000 field survey budget;
a new “typewriter-friendly” survey form developed to facilitate future scanning and text-recognition for computerization;
and the goal of completing five countywide surveys recording approximately 1,000 properties per year;
Kenneth Gibbs hired as HPS Survey Coordinator; served until 2009.
a new “typewriter-friendly” survey form developed to facilitate future scanning and text-recognition for computerization;
and the goal of completing five countywide surveys recording approximately 1,000 properties per year;
Kenneth Gibbs hired as HPS Survey Coordinator; served until 2009.
The General Assembly appropriated $350,000 to support the regional preservation planner program
This amount, although welcomed, was approximately half of what had been recommended by the 1986 Joint Study Committee on Economic Development through Historic Preservation …
Georgians for Preservation Action (“GAPA”) founded.
GAPA was established as a statewide advocacy network coordinated by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. A steering committee representing various aspects of historic preservation -- CLGs, local non-profits, other state agencies, statewide organizations, archives, museums, archaeology, etc. – provided guidance on issues and set annual legislative agendas. HPD provided technical advice as requested.
Statewide historic preservation conference co-sponsored with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation; held in Oxford.
This conference served as the “model” for future jointly sponsored annual state preservation conferences.
HPS presented a slideshow featuring a thematic overview of Georgia’s “historic resources” (buildings, structures, sites, landscapes, and districts) at the Oxford conference (above).
This overview had been prepared as part of HPS’s preservation planning process involving the development of “historic contexts” to better identify and evaluate historic properties in the state.
HPS presented a slideshow featuring a thematic overview of Georgia’s “historic resources” (buildings, structures, sites, landscapes, and districts) at the Oxford conference (above).
This overview had been prepared as part of HPS’s preservation planning process involving the development of “historic contexts” to better identify and evaluate historic properties in the state.
First workshop for local CLG “contact persons” held by HPS in Atlanta.
“National Register Made Easy” workshop cosponsored with the Chattahoochee-Flint Area Planning and Development Commission
Management of the state’s Certified Local Government program transferred to the University of Georgia’s School of Environmental Design through a contractual relationship with HPS.
Draft inventory and management plan for underwater archaeological resources prepared by Dr. Newell Wright.
CSS Georgia listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The CSS Georgia is a Confederate ironclad vessel scuttled in the Savannah River in December 1864 to prevent its capture by Federal forces.
This was the first submerged cultural resource in Georgia to be listed in the National Register.
Underwater archaeological investigations in 2013 and 2015 recovered significant elements of the vessel
This was the first submerged cultural resource in Georgia to be listed in the National Register.
Underwater archaeological investigations in 2013 and 2015 recovered significant elements of the vessel
Carole Griffith received “Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service in State Government”
Awards like this are included in this Timeline because they reflect an exceptional level of public service rendered by staff. Please pass along to the editors any information about similar awards that may have been overlooked.
1987-1988
Georgia history symposium held at Georgia State University in March 1987. Its goal was to develop an outline for the state historic preservation office’s “history for historic preservation” based on “historical or developmental themes, geographic regions, and chronological periods.”
Participants included academic historians from colleges and universities as well as local and regional practitioners.
The symposium recommended twenty “distinctive aspects of Georgia history,” eleven chronological periods, and three major geographical regions (comprising eight sub-regions)” to be featured in HPS’s comprehensive historic preservation plan.
The symposium recommended twenty “distinctive aspects of Georgia history,” eleven chronological periods, and three major geographical regions (comprising eight sub-regions)” to be featured in HPS’s comprehensive historic preservation plan.
A follow-up report in 1988 – authored by historian Darlene Roth and known as the “Roth Report” -- refined the conference recommendations, based on additional historical research and discussions with state historic preservation office staff.
The Roth Report identified seventeen themes or “distinctive aspects” of Georgia’s history pertinent to historic preservation.
The Roth Report also recommended a “local history option” (also known as a “local developmental history” option) as a complementary or alternative frame of reference for identifying and evaluating historic properties.
The Roth Report also recommended a “local history option” (also known as a “local developmental history” option) as a complementary or alternative frame of reference for identifying and evaluating historic properties.
The Georgia Alliance of Preservation Commissions administratively “relocated” to the University of Georgia where the state’s Certified Local Government program is now being managed.
Regional preservation planner program expanded from seven part-time and one full-time to eight full-time and three part-time programs, thanks to a $300,000 state legislative appropriation.
Nine graduate student interns supported HPS office activities and programs.
This is believed to be a record number of interns in a single year.
“Submerged Cultural Resources” Act revised to clarify approved activities of sports diving on underwater archaeological sites.
“Archaeological property inventory form” created to facilitate nomination of archaeological sites to the National Register of Historic Places.
Also: procedures for processing underwater archeological permit requests implemented.
“Mississippi Period Archaeology of the Georgia Valley and Ridge Province” prepared by David Hally and James Langford; “Mississippi Period Archaeology of the Georgia Coastal Plain” prepared by Frank Schnell and Newell Wright, Jr.
1988
A public information slide show entitled “Blueprint for the Future” shown to approximately 40 local and regional organizations across the state.
Its purpose was to inform Georgia citizens about state historic preservation programs and solicit public input for the development of the state preservation office’s next five-year historic preservation plan.
“Preservation Helpline” technical information series launched.
Topics addressed during the multi-year “run” of this publication included grants and funding sources, rehabilitation and restoration techniques and projects, preservation standards, preservation planning, public education, funding sources, and an explanation of the differences between National Register and locally designated historic districts.
Georgia Senator Wyche Fowler featured in a public service announcement promoting the benefits of historic preservation. The announcement was distributed to television and radio stations across the state.
Georgia voters passed a constitutional amendment referendum providing for property tax incentives for rehabilitating historic buildings.
This amendment is the basis for all subsequent state historic preservation property tax incentives.
“Patterns of Change” video – an overview of historic preservation in Georgia -- produced by HPS.
This was the state preservation office’s first video production. The Department of Natural Resources film unit produced the video; the Georgia Power Company provided professional narration.
The National Park Service funded a special two-year federal grant program for lighthouse preservation
Georgia received grant funding for the Tybee Island lighthouse and the St. Simons Island lighthouse.
It is possible that a third lighthouse received funding … records are not clear at this point …
It is possible that a third lighthouse received funding … records are not clear at this point …
Federal “Abandoned Shipwrecks” Act passed Congress; encourages maritime preservation and provides for state management of significant abandoned shipwrecks.
The issue of management responsibility had been a long-standing concern which was resolved by this Act
Computerization of “new” historic structural field survey data begun; date entered into the computerized database was taken from the office’s post-1987 field surveys.
The “dBase” database program was used to create this database.
“Local History” symposia held throughout the state, with the goal of better relating the state history outline developed at the 1987 Georgia History symposium at Georgia State University to local history.
Nicknamed “Everyday History” symposia.
Locations: Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, Savannah.
Locations: Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, Savannah.
January National Register Review Board meeting -- to have been held in Madison -- cancelled due to a severe ice storm.
At least one Review Board member was stranded in Madison for several days …
Photographs by HPS photographer Jim Lockhart displayed in the lobby of the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd building (the “Twin Towers”) during Preservation Month.
HPS’s offices were located in this building at the time.
1988-1989
Half of HPS’s state survey funds directed to two archaeological survey projects: Effingham and Chatham Counties, and Etowah Mounds environs.
Results of underwater survey of shipwrecks in Chatham County published.
1989
HPS organized its third state historic preservation conference, held in Athens in December.
HPD’s first state historic preservation conference was held in 1987 in Oxford.
(It was hoped that these statewide conferences would be held on an annual basis …)
(It was hoped that these statewide conferences would be held on an annual basis …)
Georgia’s next five-year historic preservation plan – entitled “A Vision for the Future” – prepared and distributed.
Georgia was one of the first states to undertake a statewide strategic planning process that included extensive public participation to ascertain public opinion, needs, and recommendations. Also included were an overview of the state’s historic properties and an assessment of technical preservation needs.
This was the HPS’s first statewide historic preservation plan following the 1985 NPS program review requirement. It reflected an approach to historic preservation planning recommended by HPS as an alternative to the NPS “RP3” planning model.
This was the HPS’s first statewide historic preservation plan following the 1985 NPS program review requirement. It reflected an approach to historic preservation planning recommended by HPS as an alternative to the NPS “RP3” planning model.
“Georgia Register of Historic Places” created by the General Assembly (12-3-50-2).
The criteria and the designation process were based on those for the National Register of Historic Places.
Properties listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the Georgia Register.
The purpose of this legislation was to provide a “state” basis for state-authorized preservation/rehabilitation tax incentives (see below).
The Georgia Register program was implemented in 1990.
Properties listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the Georgia Register.
The purpose of this legislation was to provide a “state” basis for state-authorized preservation/rehabilitation tax incentives (see below).
The Georgia Register program was implemented in 1990.
“State Preferential Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property” approved by state legislature (48-5-7.2).
This legislative action authorized a limited (8-year) property tax assessment freeze for “substantially” rehabilitated historic commercial and residential properties (including owner-occupied houses); rehabilitations must meet state preservation standards (based on federal tax-incentive program standards).
Properties had to be “certified” as “historic” by listing in the Georgia or National Registers of Historic Places (note: properties listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the Georgia Register).
Properties could be later decertified (by HPS) if they lose their historic integrity such as to no longer qualify for the Georgia or National Registers.
This program was implemented in the 1990-1991 state fiscal year.
Properties had to be “certified” as “historic” by listing in the Georgia or National Registers of Historic Places (note: properties listed in the National Register are automatically listed in the Georgia Register).
Properties could be later decertified (by HPS) if they lose their historic integrity such as to no longer qualify for the Georgia or National Registers.
This program was implemented in the 1990-1991 state fiscal year.
The “Georgia Planning Act” passed by the state legislature (45-12-200; 50-8-2; 12-2-1; 36-70).
This Act specified historic preservation as a required element of mandated local, regional, and state development plans.
The historic preservation provisions were implemented in 1990 in cooperation with the Department of Community Affairs.
The historic preservation provisions were implemented in 1990 in cooperation with the Department of Community Affairs.
The “Georgia Minority Historic Preservation Committee” formed by the Georgia National Register Review Board.
Its purpose: to promote historic preservation in Georgia’s minority communities and to expand recognition of historic properties associated with Georgia’s minority population.
The Review Board’s authorization confirmed the program as an integral part of the state historic preservation office’s programs.
This committee subsequently evolved into the “Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network (“GAAHPN”).
The Review Board’s authorization confirmed the program as an integral part of the state historic preservation office’s programs.
This committee subsequently evolved into the “Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network (“GAAHPN”).
“Georgia’s Living Places” project initiated (completed in 1991).
The Georgia Living Places project involved developing a “historic context” – a comprehensive framework -- for identifying and evaluating historic residential properties in the state. It included identifying the major residential architectural styles and house types in the state – with emphasis on their character-defining features -- along with associated landscaping and domestic archaeological resources. It also provided guidance for applying the National Register “criteria for evaluation” to residential properties being considered for National Register nomination or involved in Section 106 environmental review projects, and it provided similar guidance for local historic designations and other historic preservation activities. This was a precedent-setting state historic preservation office production which received national acclaim.
During this year, HPS staff developed standardized architectural terminology to describe residential architectural styles and houses types in the state.
The Georgia Living Places project was privately funded through a generous donation from noted preservationist Deen Day Smith and was carried out by state preservation office staff and several private-sector consultants.
During this year, HPS staff developed standardized architectural terminology to describe residential architectural styles and houses types in the state.
The Georgia Living Places project was privately funded through a generous donation from noted preservationist Deen Day Smith and was carried out by state preservation office staff and several private-sector consultants.
Historic context on “Community Plans in Georgia” prepared: “Georgia Community Development and Morphology of Community Types.”
This project identified the various historic physical forms of community plans or layouts across Georgia and documented how they shaped the physical development of these communities including residential neighborhoods. It was an integral part of the ongoing research for the Georgia Living Places project.
This report was prepared by a consultant for HPS.
This report was prepared by a consultant for HPS.
1989-1990
HPS-funded archaeological surveys completed for Etowah Mounds environs and 18th-century settlements in Chatham and Effingham counties.
1990
Another comprehensive NPS state program review …
Involved a review of program activities and management, documentation of activities and records management, and proof of compliance with federal regulations -- to maintain state program approval for federal funding through the Historic Preservation Fund.
(previous on-site review was in 1985)
(previous on-site review was in 1985)
“Landmark Historic Property Act” (a.k.a. “Local Option” Tax Incentive) passed by the General Assembly (48-5-7.3).
This Act authorized a limited (8-year) property tax assessment freeze for historic properties that are (1) listed in the Georgia or National Register of Historic Places and (2) locally designated as historic (individually or in historic districts). Rehabilitation or restoration are not required; local enabling legislation (the “local option”) is required.
The General Assembly passed state legislation prohibiting demolition of pre-1905 county courthouses without a local public referendum.
Brochures and notebooks on historic preservation planning and community preservation prepared and distributed by the state historic preservation office.
The goal here was to better relate local historic preservation planning and state-level historic preservation planning.
A computerized database for logging and tracking Environmental Review (Section 106) projects created.
The Georgia Register of Historic Places (authorized in 1989) implemented with state regulations and procedures developed by HPS.
State property tax deferment authorized in 1989 implemented with state regulations and procedures developed by HPS.
U.S. Congress passed the “Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act” (NAGPRA) providing stringent protections from federal or federally assisted undertakings.
This Act had significant implications for Section 106 environmental reviews in particular by providing another layer of protection to these historic places.