We hosted a Preservation Salon at Texas’ 2011 Annual Historic Preservation Conference to encourage learning, discussion and development of local implementation strategies for the Statewide Plan. Attendees were invited to this fun happy hour for moderated discussions around the plan’s 8 goals, to talk about conference content that related to the plan, to network with session speakers and attendees, and share local projects and ideas that advance the plan’s outcomes. Thank you to all who participated, especially our talented moderators and scribes!
We would like to send a special thank you to our sponsors for the Preservation Salon, Hicks & Company, Preservation Central and El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association and to our Marketplace vendors who donated books and gift certificates for the generous drawing. We appreciate your support of this event and all that you contribute to the preservation of Texas history!
When all was said and done, Salon participants had about 30 minutes to talk in their roundtables. It was remarkable to read through the write-ups and realize how much these groups accomplished in such a short period of time. This event underscore the importance of networking and opportunities for discussion! Check out the Statewide Preservation Plan Salon Discussions for the full write-up. As a teaser, here are some practical tips on how to engage elected officials that the “Cultivating Political Committment” group developed:
- Attend meetings (city council, county commission, etc.)
- Use case studies to demonstrate points
- Vote
- Demand accountability from elected officials
- Relate to your audience – connect to their personal interests
- Start local
- Communicate with leaders regularly
- Provide resources and act as partners
- Work with other organizations and educators, especially those related to Texas history
- Cooperate, don’t fight; be flexible
- Make goals mutually beneficial
Don’t forget to check out the 2011 Annual Historic Preservation Conference Resources page, where you will find session presentations, photos and the full list of attendees from the conference.
Thanks again to everyone who made the Preservation Salon such a fun and productive event!
