2006
HPD received an achievement award from the NCSHPO for its African-American historic preservation program.
HPD was the first SHPO in the country to offer such a program – starting in 1984.
Georgia Public Broadcasting “Georgia Outdoors” series featured a program on Georgia archaeology:
"From sunken battleships and river boats to the burial mounds of long vanished native cultures to mysterious shell rings found on our barrier islands, archaeology helps us to discover secrets of Georgia's history hidden beneath our soil and scattered along our waterways."
Initiation of “top priority” environmental review process for the proposed Kia automobile assembly plant in West Point.
Due to the economic benefits of this proposed automobile assembly plant, state agencies were directed to give “top priority” to actions, reviews, and recommendations regarding its planning, construction, and operation.
HPD held a public information meeting in Rochelle to dispel rumors that the proposed Rochelle Historic District National Register nomination was part of a United Nations conspiracy …
This demonstrated the continuing need to distribute accurate and timely information about historic preservation programs – particularly the National Register program – to avoid misunderstandings.
After the public information meeting and other public-relation activities, the community rallied around the proposal to nominate the historic district.
The Rochelle Historic District was listed in the National Register on January 15, 2008.
After the public information meeting and other public-relation activities, the community rallied around the proposal to nominate the historic district.
The Rochelle Historic District was listed in the National Register on January 15, 2008.
2006-2007
Joint project initiated with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography to determine the effects on archaeological sites of erosion along the western shores of barrier islands.
2007
The remains of the USS Water Witch discovered in the Little Ogeechee River south of Savannah.
This Civil War-era ship was captured by a commando-style Confederate attack and then burned to prevent its recapture by Union forces. Its location was “lost” until this discovery. The remains of the ship are buried under fifteen feet of sediment.
HPD published its next five-year state historic preservation plan:
“Building a Preservation Ethic 2007-2011”
HPD co-sponsored a conference – “Eternal Places: Discovering Georgia’s Historic Cemeteries” – to address the significance and preservation of Georgia’s historic cemeteries.
Co-sponsors included Historic Augusta Foundation, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Central Savannah River Regional Development Center. The conference, held in Augusta, attracted an overflow of participants.
The conference was followed by the publication of HPD’s “Preserving Georgia’s Historic Cemeteries” resource guide.
The conference was followed by the publication of HPD’s “Preserving Georgia’s Historic Cemeteries” resource guide.
Tornado touched down in Americus (in March).
HPD prepared damage assessments and provided technical assistance and information regarding the treatment of damaged historic buildings and structures.
2007-2009
HPD’s Ranch House Initiative underway: research, field work, meetings with agencies and affinity groups, public presentations, and coordination with New South Associates re: publication.
Participating agencies: HPD, GDOT, and the Georgia Transmission Corporation (a rural electrical utility company).
2008
State income-tax credits for historic rehabilitations amended (48-7-29.8):
Amendment to 2002 state tax credit authorization:
25% state income tax credit, based on expenses for substantial rehabilitations, up to:
$300,000 for income-producing properties;
$100,000 for private residential properties.
Properties must be listed in the Georgia Register of Historic Places (individually or in a historic district).
NOTE: Properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are automatically listed in the Georgia Register.
25% state income tax credit, based on expenses for substantial rehabilitations, up to:
$300,000 for income-producing properties;
$100,000 for private residential properties.
Properties must be listed in the Georgia Register of Historic Places (individually or in a historic district).
NOTE: Properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are automatically listed in the Georgia Register.
2008
HPD participated with GDOT in several historic cemetery staff workshops to improve Section 106 environmental reviews involving historic cemeteries.
GAAHPN received “Leadership in History” award from the American Association for State and Local History for its quarterly publication “Reflections” (initiated and edited by HPD’s African-American programs coordinator Jeanne Cyriaque).
First Georgia Ranch House listed in the NRHP:
Joseph and Mary Jane League House, Macon (built in 1950).
“Pasaquan” – a visionary environmental-art site near Buena Vista created over several years by artist/resident Eddie Owens Martin – listed in the National Register.
Georgia Public Broadcasting featured Georgia’s historic cemeteries in “Monuments of the Past.”
Richard Cloues received a “lifetime achievement” honor award from the Georgia chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
2009
Ray Luce retired as HPD Division Director (and DSHPO).
David Crass appointed HPD Division Director (and DSHPO).
HPD office moved to 254 Washington Street (the former state “Labor” building at the northwest corner of Trinity and Washington streets), ground floor.
HPD logo updated (the modified Healey Building rotunda design).
Georgia Public Broadcasting featured HPD archaeologists discussing the significance of historic cemeteries and archaeological sites.
Survey and National Register staff assisted by Georgia State University historic preservation students began scanning file slides of Georgia’s National Register-listed properties.
The project goal was to establish a digital-image library of Georgia’s National Register-listed properties.
Rosenwald Schools National Register multiple property nomination process initiated.
In-house historic context study for mid-20th-century “Equalization Schools” in Georgia initiated.
The 2,000th Georgia listing in the National Register of Historic Places: the Waynesboro historic district in Burke County.
First-ever state-government “furlough” day (August 21, 2009) due to budget constraints.
2010
“The Ranch House in Georgia: Guidelines for Evaluation” published and posted on HPD’s website (ending the office’s five-year “Ranch House Initiative”).
Received recognition from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
Received the “Michael C. Robinson Prize for Historical Analysis” from the National Council on Public History (for “historical studies that contribute directly to the formation of public policy”).
Received the “Michael C. Robinson Prize for Historical Analysis” from the National Council on Public History (for “historical studies that contribute directly to the formation of public policy”).
Presentation by New South Associates on Atlanta’s historic streetcar system (part of a historic context study funded by GDOT)
Publication of HPD’s “Preservation Primer: A Resource Guide for Georgia”
This publication was funded in part by a “Preserve America” grant that HPD received in 2008.
HPD office reorganized (January 1, 2010):
Creation of “Sections” and “Program Areas” rather than “Units”; consolidation of related programs in Sections:
Office of the State Archaeologist and Archaeological Section (David Crass, interim Section Chief)
Historic Resources Section (Richard Cloues, Section Chief)
Operations and Outreach Section (Candy Henderson, Section Chief)
David Crass, Division Director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
Office of the State Archaeologist and Archaeological Section (David Crass, interim Section Chief)
Historic Resources Section (Richard Cloues, Section Chief)
Operations and Outreach Section (Candy Henderson, Section Chief)
David Crass, Division Director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer