Highlights Archives
Preserving a Sense of Place Conference
Almost 200 local history and historic preservation enthusiasts from more than 70 Wisconsin and Minnesota communities descended on Eau Claire this past weekend to network and share ideas for preserving a sense of place in their communities. This is the first time the Wisconsin Council for Local History conference and the Wisconsin Historical Society's Historic Preservation Conference were held jointly. Sixteen sessions offered a variety of informative presentations on local history and preservation topics ranging from working with students and teachers to avoiding common mistakes made by historic building owners.
Friday's program offered a special lunch address by author Jerry Apps. Apps reminded the audience that it is important for those involved in history and preservation to record and tell their own stories as part of the fabric of their community's history. He left the audience with a quote from a recent post on his blog:
"Too often these days, in our haste to embrace what is new, whether it be a new building, a new piece of technology, or a new approach to doing things, we fail to recall what of the old should be retained — an old building refurbished, an old idea revisited, a long-standing set of values maintained. When decisions are made about change, in my humble judgment, we should slow down and ask: What of the old is worth keeping, what of the new should be rejected?"
An afternoon bus tour hosted by the Eau Claire Landmarks Commission and the Eau Claire Historic Preservation Foundation offered brave participants a chance to get out of the hotel (and into the rain!) to experience the history and landmarks of Eau Claire. The weather could not dampen spirits as the festive atmosphere continued Friday night at the Chippewa Valley Museum, where participants enjoyed barbeque, live entertainment from musician Billy Krause, and a peek behind the scenes at the museum.
Saturday's program offered more sessions and concluded with lunch and an address from Wisconsin Historical Society Director Ellsworth Brown, who began by thanking Marilyn Canfield, outgoing president of the Wisconsin Council for Local History, for her exemplary service. Brown entertained the gathering with amusing stories from the different regions of the country where he has lived that illustrated the importance of a community's sense of place to its residents and how it is viewed by others.
We hope you will consider joining us in Madison for the next joint Local History and Historic Preservation conference in September 2008. Stay tuned to our Web site for updates as dates and details are finalized.
:: Posted October 31, 2007
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