The Liberty County Historical Commission will hold its quarterly meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in the A.J. “Jack” Hartel Building, 318 San Jacinto St. in Liberty. The meeting is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.
The program, titled Historic Preservation for Everyday People and How They Can Make a Difference in Saving What Matters, will focus on how individuals and communities can play an active role in preserving historic buildings and sites.
Using a grassroots guide by author and preservationist Beth Yarbrough, Liberty County Historical Commission Chair Linda Jamison will lead a discussion covering topics such as how old houses deteriorate, the benefits and limitations of historic designations, preservation incentives and grants, common restoration and rehabilitation mistakes, and preservation options for homeowners who want to save their properties.
The program will also include an introduction to starting a preservation nonprofit, the role of community involvement, ordinances and statutes that can help protect historic structures, and ways preserved buildings can be put back into productive use.
The discussion will also include current preservation efforts and projects in Liberty County, including the Liberty Train Depot, the Trinity River Bridge in Liberty, the Cleveland-Partlow House, the Ott Hotel and other ongoing or proposed projects. An open question-and-answer session will follow, allowing attendees to discuss these projects and broader preservation issues. Topics may include whether tax dollars should be used to preserve historic properties and whether commercial reuse and profit-making should be part of preservation efforts.
Those interested in preserving Liberty County’s history but unsure where to begin are encouraged to attend. Community input and ideas are welcome.
For more information, email lchc318@gmail.com.