1996
W. Ray Luce hired as Manager of the Planning and Local Assistance Unit in HPD.
HPD published “New Vision: The Preservation Plan for Georgia’s Heritage.”
This was the latest iteration of HPD’s five-year preservation plans required by the National Park Service to qualify for Historic Preservation Fund grants.
“Women’s History Initiative” undertaken by HPD:
HPD co-sponsored “Women’s History and Historic Preservation” conference at Agnes Scott College.
The conference theme: “Telling Her Story: Expanding the Past of Georgia’s Women through Historic Places.”
This was the first preservation conference in Georgia to address the role of women’s history in historic preservation.
This was the first preservation conference in Georgia to address the role of women’s history in historic preservation.
HPD also contracted with Roth Associates and Ray and Associates to prepare a “historic context” report on places and events associated with women in Georgia – the first such report in the country.
This initiative was supported by a $100,000 appropriation from the state legislature.
More information about this initiative is available on the state historic preservation office’s website.
HPD participated in the annual Georgia Historic House and Garden Pilgrimage, a cooperative activity of the Garden Club of Georgia and other organizations to promote preservation of historic gardens and landscapes through public information and grants.
This would become an annual event for HPD.
HPD participated in an interagency meeting with the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to work out ways to more effectively and efficiently administer Section 106 environmental review projects related to proposed highway projects in Georgia.
The first of many in-house National Register “triage” meetings held to process backlogged nominations and requests for nominations due to increasing numbers of applications and staff vacancies.
These “triage” meetings eventually turned into regularly scheduled group meetings to more expeditiously review all new requests for National Register nominations.
“National Register Specialist” position created and filled to help alleviate the backlog of requests for National Register nominations.
“Kick-off” meeting for the RiverCare 2000 project held:
RiverCare 2000 was a Department of Natural Resources initiative to assess the natural, historical, and archaeological resources along the state’s major rivers.
HPD was responsible for the archaeological and historical aspects of this initiative.
HPD was responsible for the archaeological and historical aspects of this initiative.
Summer Olympics held in downtown Atlanta.
HPD’s offices were literally in the middle of Olympics activities in downtown Atlanta.
HPD offices were staffed on a “skeleton” basis for several weeks during July and August; other staff worked at home or took leave.
HPD offices were staffed on a “skeleton” basis for several weeks during July and August; other staff worked at home or took leave.
The first HPD “Brown Bag Lunches” held (a.k.a. “Historic Preservation Forum”):
The Brown Bag Lunches were series of informal discussions among HPD staff, private sector representatives, and non-profit organizations about technical rehabilitation/restoration issues and, in particular, compliance with the Secretary’s Standards for rehabilitation and restoration.
These lunchtime meetings were later expanded into the “Architectural Conservation Forum” with the support of the Historic Resources Committee of the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
These lunchtime meetings were later expanded into the “Architectural Conservation Forum” with the support of the Historic Resources Committee of the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
A feature story series on “Disappearing Georgia” by Charles Seabrook ran in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper; HPD staff had provided background information and guidance.
The series focused on places, traditions, and culture reflecting Georgia’s historic and natural heritage.
In 1997, this publication received an “Outstanding Publication” award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
In 1997, this publication received an “Outstanding Publication” award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
Efforts to computerize archaeological site data were enhanced through a GDOT cooperative agreement.
Software and equipment including ArcInfo and ArcView programs, a desktop computer, printer, plotter, and digitizer were purchased and installed at HPD’s office.
NPS staff demonstrated a “working” version of their “MAPIT” GIS/database program at HPD’s office.
This computer program was to be customized for use by state historic preservation offices to record historic properties and archaeological sites.
HPD agreed to be one of three states to work with NPS on a pilot implementation project starting in 1997.
HPD agreed to be one of three states to work with NPS on a pilot implementation project starting in 1997.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate completion of the Montezuma downtown façade rehabilitation project following the 1994 Tropical Storm Alberto.
This was the single largest federally assisted historic preservation project associated with recovery from Tropical Storm Alberto ($600,000) – and the single largest historic preservation grant administered by Georgia’s state historic preservation office.
President Clinton signed Executive Order 13006 directing federal agencies to use historic properties and properties within inner cities for offices and Executive Order 13007 emphasizing protection of Native American sacred sites.
The first Georgia property to be designated a National Historic Landmark in more than a decade: the Old Medical College in Augusta.
Five more Georgia properties would be designated National Historic Landmarks between 1996 and 2010, bringing the total number of NHLs in Georgia to 48 by that time.
Georgia ranked #1 in the nation in the number of certified federal tax-incentive rehabilitation projects for historic income-producing buildings.
1996-1997
“Ocmulgee Old Fields” identified as a “traditional cultural property” (a.k.a. “TCP”) during planning for GDOT’s “Fall Line Freeway” project through Macon (known locally as the “Eisenhower Parkway Extension”).
HPD published “New Vision: The Preservation Plan for Georgia’s Heritage.”
Ocmulgee Olds Fields is associated with Native American occupation in this area.
This was the first “traditional cultural property” to be identified in a Section 106 project in Georgia.
This was the first “traditional cultural property” to be identified in a Section 106 project in Georgia.
New HPD logo adopted.
The new logo was based on the design of the ceiling in the rotunda of the Healey Building (where HPD’s offices were located).
Phase I of a three-phase project to measure the economic benefits of historic preservation initiated.
Pilot projects involved Athens, Rome, and Tifton.
Results published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in its Dollars and Sense of Historic Preservation series.
Results published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in its Dollars and Sense of Historic Preservation series.
HPD received a “demonstration grant” from the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training to hold a conference on the preservation of tabby buildings and structures.
This conference was held in 1998 (see below).
1997
State historic preservation conference and Southeast SHPO meeting held jointly in Athens.
Annual HPD “Historic Preservation Achievement” award program initiated.
“Ocmulgee Old Fields” identified as a “traditional cultural property” (a.k.a. “TCP”) during planning for GDOT’s “Fall Line Freeway” project through Macon (known locally as the “Eisenhower Parkway Extension”).
HPD published “New Vision: The Preservation Plan for Georgia’s Heritage.”
Awards were based on HPD staff recommendations of “model” historic preservation projects across the state.
First annual “Preservation Work Day” with the Georgia Trust.
“Hands-on” staff work day at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site.
It was hoped that this would become an annual event.
It was hoped that this would become an annual event.
“Historic School Buildings” Act (20-2-260) passed by the General Assembly.
Allowed state funding for rehabilitating historic schools that are still used for educational purposes and that were listed in the National Register of Historic Places prior to 1995.
HPD staff participated in a NCSHPO conference in Salt Lake City on the concept of “significance” as it relates to National Register eligibility
HPD staff participated in three-day national “Historic Landscapes Workshop” held in Memphis, Tennessee.
Staff presented information about the “Georgia’s Living Places” project and its inclusion of historic residential landscapes.
NPS and HPD discussed how the NPS “American Battlefield Protection Program” might best document sites associated with the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 in Georgia (as well as the Civil War) …
HPD received the first Section 106 environmental review project involving construction of a cellular communications tower.
In subsequent years, the increasing number of cell tower projects would nearly overwhelm the office’s Section 106 review process.
Access to HPD office e-mail from staff home computers enabled …
… but staff had to bring their home computers into the office for DNR techs to install the e-mail program.
Georgia ranked #1 in the nation in the number of certified federal tax-incentive rehabilitation projects for the second year in a row.
Funding for regional preservation planners increased; funding provided for all regions except the Atlanta metro area (which funded its own historic preservation planning staff at the Atlanta Regional Commission).
Seventeen acres of the Griswoldville battlefield acquired through the efforts of the Georgia Civil War Commission working with the State Properties Commission.
New HPD position of “Archaeological Services Unit Manger” created; to be filled during SFY 1998.
Dr. Lewis Larson received the “Governor’s Award in the Humanities” from the Georgia Humanities Council for his promotion of Georgia archaeology, his service as state archaeologist, and his many years of service to the state historic preservation office.
HPD archaeological staff participate in Georgia law enforcement officers training workshop on burial disturbances and archaeological site looting.
HPD received a “Special Recognition” award from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for its multi-year contributions to the recovery efforts following the widespread flooding and wind damage from Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994.
This “Special Recognition” award was shared with the Georgia Emergency Management Association, local, state, and national governmental leaders, Georgia’s Governor’s office, Georgia’s U.S. Senators and Representatives, President Clinton’s office, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service, the Federal Emergency Management Association, and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
1997-1998
Trial run of the “MAPIT” GIS program with the National Park Service.
Annual HPD “Historic Preservation Achievement” award program initiated.
A working version was installed by NPS staff on a computer at HPD in May 1997.
The goal was to develop a “freestanding” GIS (Geographical Information System) for archaeological and historic structural field survey data using Paradox database and ArcView GIS software.
This “trial” project would be superseded by the “GNAHRGIS” project in 2001.
“GNAHRGIS” stands for “Georgia’s Natural, Archaeological, and Historical Resources Geographical Information System.
The goal was to develop a “freestanding” GIS (Geographical Information System) for archaeological and historic structural field survey data using Paradox database and ArcView GIS software.
This “trial” project would be superseded by the “GNAHRGIS” project in 2001.
“GNAHRGIS” stands for “Georgia’s Natural, Archaeological, and Historical Resources Geographical Information System.
Joint Legislative Study Committees on Historic Preservation appointed.
From the historic preservation division’s website: “This body met to discuss the role of historic preservation in the 21st century and to determine the needs of the preservation movement in an effort to maximize the positive impact of historic preservation in Georgia.”
(SEE 1998 legislative session activities, SB 446, below.)
(SEE 1998 legislative session activities, SB 446, below.)
1998
Mark Edwards resigned from his position as Historic Preservation Division director.
Edwards had served in this position since 1994.
W. Ray Luce designated “acting” Historic Preservation Division director following Mark Edwards’ resignation; later this year he would be formally appointed as HPD director.
Luce had previously served as Manager of HPD’s Planning and Local Assistance Unit since 1996.
Luce would serve as Division director until retiring in 2009.
Luce would serve as Division director until retiring in 2009.
Dr. Lewis Larson retired as “state archaeologist” – a position he had held since 1972. He was succeeded by Dr. David Crass in the Historic Preservation Division.
Administrative reorganization created a new Archaeological Services Unit and a new position of “Archaeological Services Unit Manager” within HPD.
The retirement of Lewis Larson from his duties at West Georgia College along with his long-time “volunteer” position as state archeologist created the opportunity for administrative reorganization of Georgia’s archaeological services.
This administrative change consolidated existing and new archaeological staff into the Historic Preservation Division: the State Archaeologist, staff archaeologist, and outreach archaeologist.
Federal and state archaeological programs, services, and responsibilities were consolidated into a new “Archaeological Education and Protection Program.”
This administrative change consolidated existing and new archaeological staff into the Historic Preservation Division: the State Archaeologist, staff archaeologist, and outreach archaeologist.
Federal and state archaeological programs, services, and responsibilities were consolidated into a new “Archaeological Education and Protection Program.”
David Crass was designated as the Archeological Services Unit Manager and State Archaeologist – a position he held until 2012.
Senate Bill 446 passed by the General Assembly; created several new programs to be administered by the state historic preservation office along with directives to state agencies to use and maintain historic buildings:
“Grants and Financial Assistance” (12-3-58):
Authorized the state historic preservation office to award preservation grants and provide financial assistance for preservation activities – with the following proviso: “pending appropriation of funding for such … “
This marked the first time that state grants for historic preservation were authorized by state legislation rather than just being funded through the budget appropriation process.
The Georgia Heritage 2000 grant program of 1994 was incorporated into this program, later simply called “Georgia Heritage” grants.
This marked the first time that state grants for historic preservation were authorized by state legislation rather than just being funded through the budget appropriation process.
The Georgia Heritage 2000 grant program of 1994 was incorporated into this program, later simply called “Georgia Heritage” grants.
“State Agency Use of Historic Buildings and Historic Districts” (12-3-56):
Encouraged state agencies to locate offices in historic buildings or historic districts.
“State Agency Historic Property Stewardship”(12-3-55):
Required state agencies to prepare historic preservation plans for historic properties for which they are responsible.
Created a state stewardship awards program to be administered by the state historic preservation office.
Created a state stewardship awards program to be administered by the state historic preservation office.
“Historical and Cultural Museum Assistance Program” (12-3-57):
With this proviso: “Pending appropriation of funding to conduct such …”-- and no such funding was provided.
State Capitol Commission awarded $13M in bonds to finance restoration of the State Capitol.
Proposed “Heritage Fund” statewide referendum failed to pass …
This would have provided a dedicated source of funding for historic preservation, natural areas protection, and wildlife programs.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation held its annual conference in Savannah.
HPD held a symposium on the conservation and preservation of historic tabby structures (funded in part by a National Center for Preservation Technology and Training grant). Symposium proceedings published:
“The Conservation and Preservation of Tabby: A Symposium on Historic Building Material in the Coastal Southeast”
DNR’s “RiverCare 2000” resource identification and protection report published.
The report included a chapter on historic and archaeological resources associated with the state’s major rivers prepared by HPD staff.
The RiverCare 2000 project was initiated in 1995.
The RiverCare 2000 project was initiated in 1995.
The first “Atlanta Campaign” (Civil War) “trial” field survey including GIS/GPS site recording carried out by HPS and National Park Service staff from Washington, DC during three days in February.
This was followed by the “Atlanta Campaign” project’s official “kick-off” meeting with NPS and HPD in July.
Meetings and site visits with DNR’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) regarding permitting regulations and procedures for proposed surface mines (quarries).
EPD’s state permitting regulations required consideration of effects to National Register listed properties.
A major project being reviewed under these regulations at this time was a proposed surface mine adjacent to the National Register-listed Casulon Plantation in Walton County. Discussions continued for several years …
In 2002, the historic house at Casulon Plantation was destroyed by fire.
A major project being reviewed under these regulations at this time was a proposed surface mine adjacent to the National Register-listed Casulon Plantation in Walton County. Discussions continued for several years …
In 2002, the historic house at Casulon Plantation was destroyed by fire.
The Columbus Naval Museum received a $12,400 “Maritime Grant” from the Maritime Heritage Program of the National Park Service to relocate the two historic gunboats in Columbus to a more secure and protective location.
Georgia’s revived historic resources field survey program recognized in the National Park Service annual historic preservation report as “one of the most active state survey programs in the nation.”
HPD’s computer system received several enhancements:
Local Area Network (“LAN”) installed in HPD offices.
“Windows 95” installed on desktop computers.
“Windows 95” installed on desktop computers.
The Georgia National Register Review Board decreased the number of meetings from four to three per year (a budget-constraint measure).
Another joint HPD/Georgia Trust staff “workday” held -- this one at the historic Hay House in Macon (a Georgia Trust property).
HPD archaeological staff began a long-standing affiliation with Fort Frederica’s program for Glynn County’s four-grade students “Discovering Our Past through Historical Archaeology.”
1999
“Profiting from the Past: The Economic Impact of Historic Preservation in Georgia” published by HPD.
This report contained an analysis of historic preservation’s positive economic impacts in Georgia between 1992 and 1996.
GDOT prepared its first “historic bridge survey” report.
The final version of the National Park Service’s “MAPIT” historic resources database and GIS installed on HPD’s computer system (following trial runs in 1996 and 1997); staff received training from NPS.
“Stemming the Tide: A Survey of Submerged Cultural Resources Programs in the United States with a View toward Georgia” published by HPD.
This report featured an analysis of successful programs and projects to preserve submerged cultural resources across the country.
HPD archaeological staff co-chaired the historic resources subcommittee of the “Ossabaw Island Comprehensive Management Plan” team and participated in the development of the “Archaeological and Historic Resources Component” of the management plan.
HPD and Georgia Trust hold the first “Preservation 101” workshop at HPD’s offices.
The workshop provided a general-public orientation to historic preservation in Georgia.
These workshops would be held through 2002.
These workshops would be held through 2002.
Another joint HPD/Georgia Trust staff “work day.”
This one took place at Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site.
State Capitol Commission receives $1.9M in bond funding for restoration work on the State Capitol.
1999-2000
Starting in 1999 and continuing through 2001, HPD staff participated in a number of in-house “planning team meetings,” and HPD held a series of “planning forums” at locations around the state -- the goal of which was to collect information for the development of HPD’s next five-year state historic preservation plan.
2000
HPD lost its lease at the historic Healey Building – which was to be converted into retail space and condominiums.
After looking for office space in five downtown commercial buildings and houses owned by the Fernbank Museum, HPD relocated to a disused state-owned building at 156 Trinity Street (corner of Trinity and Prior Streets), occupying part of the first floor and all of the third floor, “temporarily …”
“Underwater Archaeologist” position added to HPD staff.
This new position was filled by Jason Burns.
Three years later the responsibility for underwater archaeology was transferred from the Atlanta office to the Archaeology Field Station in Savannah; Chris McCabe filled the position of underwater archaeologist until the end of the decade.
Three years later the responsibility for underwater archaeology was transferred from the Atlanta office to the Archaeology Field Station in Savannah; Chris McCabe filled the position of underwater archaeologist until the end of the decade.
African-American Programs Coordinator position added to HPD staff.
This new staff position also served as liaison with the Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network (GAAHPN).
Jeanne Cyriaque was hired to fill this new position, which she held until retiring in 2015.
Jeanne Cyriaque was hired to fill this new position, which she held until retiring in 2015.
2000-2001
“Reflections” – a quarterly newsletter reporting on African-American historic preservation in Georgia and elsewhere – was edited and produced by Jeanne Cyriaque, HPD’s new African American Program Coordinator.
This publication became one of the state historic preservation office’s most popular.
2000
“A+ Education Reform Act” passed by the Georgia General Assembly (20-2-260 [c] [10]).
The Act called for the State Board of Education to adopt “rules, regulations, policies, standards, and criteria” regarding funding for, and use of, historic school buildings listed in or eligible for listing in the National or Georgia Registers as certified by the state historic preservation officer.
“Specimen Trees” legislation passed by the state legislature (48-5-7.2).
This Act authorized historic property tax freeze computations to include costs incurred in preserving on-site “specimen trees” (having a trunk diameter of 30 inches or more”) along with costs incurred in rehabilitating associated historic structures.
“OneGeorgia Authority” created by the state legislature (50-34-1).
This Authority would administer the “OneGeorgia Fund” for economic development activities (including historic preservation) in rural areas of the state.
Cell towers now constitute the most numerous Section 106 environmental review projects in Georgia.
Camden County Superior Court upheld the St. Mary’s Historic Preservation Commission’s denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a rehabilitation project involving the application of vinyl siding on a house – thereby setting a legal precedent.
HPD received a U.S. Department of the Navy “Legacy” grant to develop a management plan for Navy-owned shipwrecks in Georgia waters.
This was to be carried out in conjunction with the development of a broad historical context for submerged coastal archaeological sites.
A major product of this project was the publication “Stemming the Tide: A Survey of Cultural Resource Programs in the United States with a View toward Georgia,” Rita Elliott, Southern Research, Historic Preservation Consultants, Inc., with David Crass and Ronnie Rogers.
A major product of this project was the publication “Stemming the Tide: A Survey of Cultural Resource Programs in the United States with a View toward Georgia,” Rita Elliott, Southern Research, Historic Preservation Consultants, Inc., with David Crass and Ronnie Rogers.
HPD archaeologists participated in the recovery of rifled “Columbiad” Civil War-era cannon sections from a marsh along the Wilmington River near Causton’s Bluff and their transport to Old Fort Jackson for curation and display.
Gov. Roy Barnes spoke on the importance of preserving Georgia’s history at the 2000 annual state historic preservation conference in Atlanta jointly sponsored by HPD and the Georgia Trust.
This was the first time a governor had addressed an annual state historic preservation conference.
The conference theme was “Preservation Matters: A Future for Georgia’s Past”
The conference theme was “Preservation Matters: A Future for Georgia’s Past”