All around us, people are saving historic places. Whether they are community activists, grassroots advocates, architects, or formally trained preservationists, they each bring with them a passion for the past and a drive to protect the cultural heritage all around us. And during Women’s History Month, we are interviewing five women who illustrate the many ways we can protect historic spaces. First up: Sidney Clifton, daughter of acclaimed poet and author Lucille Clifton, and president of The Clifton House, a workshop space for artists and writers based in the Clifton family's former home.

For More: https://savingplaces.org/stories/sidney-clifton-lucille-clifton-house

SavingPlaces: Women in Preservation

People Saving Places: Sidney Clifton

All around us, people are saving historic places. Whether they are community activists, grassroots advocates, architects, or formally trained preservationists, they each bring with them a passion for the past and a drive to protect the cultural heritage all around us. And during Women’s History Month, we are interviewing five women who illustrate the many ways we can protect historic spaces.

For More: https://savingplaces.org/stories/people-saving-places-corrina-gould-west-berkeley-shellmound

In this interview we hear from Corrina Gould, the chair and spokesperson for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan, who has been advocating for the protection of the West Berkeley Shellmound, a sacred site of the Ohlone people located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Saving Places: Women in Preservation

People Saving Places: Corrina Gould

All around us, people are saving historic places. Whether they are community activists, grassroots advocates, architects, or formally trained preservationists, they each bring with them a passion for the past and a drive to protect the cultural heritage all around us. During Women’s History Month—and as part of our campaign for Where Women Made History—we are interviewing five women who illustrate the many ways we can protect historic spaces. In this interview we hear from Sara Bronin, a Mexican American architect, attorney, and policy maker.

People Saving Places: Sara Bronin

All around us, people are saving historic places. Whether they are community activists, grassroots advocates, architects, or formally trained preservationists, they each bring with them a passion for the past and a drive to protect the cultural heritage all around us. During Women’s History Month—and as part of our campaign for Where Women Made History—we are interviewing five women who illustrate the many ways we can protect historic spaces. In this interview we hear from Kelley Lehuakeaopuna Uyeoka, a cultural heritage preservationist working to save cultural spaces in Hawaiʻi.

People Saving Places: Kelley Uyeoka

All around us, people are saving historic places. Whether they are community activists, grassroots advocates, architects, or formally trained preservationists, they each bring with them a passion for the past and a drive to protect the cultural heritage all around us. During Women’s History Month—and as part of our campaign for Where Women Made History—we are interviewing five women who illustrate the many ways we can protect historic spaces. In this interview we hear from Ujijji Davis Williams a landscape architect committed to the preservation of Black history.

People Saving Places: Ujijji Davis Williams

An interview with Lord Peter Palumbo the second owner of the Edith Farnsworth House. This interview was taken by Bob O'Connell for Lost & Found Productions in 1999.

Read the full story on SavingPlaces.org.
https://savingplaces.org/stories/every-line-is-a-decision-honoring-lord-peter-palumbo-at-the-edith-farnsworth-house

Excerpt of Interview of Lord Peter Palumbo by Bob O'Connell (1999)

One summer, Dr. Farnsworth gave grade school students Kelly Simms and her cousin, Corey Mundwiler, weekly French lessons at her house. Mrs. Ellyn Kivitts, Kelly’s mother, recounts meetings with Dr. Farnsworth. Kelly and Corey tell of Dr. Farnsworth’s interest in developing an appreciation for culture.

Farnsworth House History - Kelly Simms, Corey Mundwiler, Ellyn Kivitts

This couple were friends of Dr. Farnsworth in Chicago. In later years they moved to Plano and would visit Dr. Farnsworth in her house along the Fox River. They provide an in-depth view of many facets of Dr. Farnsworth’s life and personality.

Farnsworth House History - Parkie & Neil Emmons

Attorney William Murphy represented Mies van der Rohe in 1952 when Mies sued Dr. Edith Farnsworth for payments due after the Farnsworth House construction was completed. Later, in 1968, he then represented Dr. Farnsworth when she attempted to stop the construction of a new bridge next to her property. Mr. Murphy shares his thoughts and fascinating insights about both individuals.

Farnsworth House History - William Murphy

 Mrs. Norem’s brother, Norman, lived across the road from Dr. Farnsworth. He became a good friend of both Dr. Farnsworth and Lord Peter Palumbo. Mrs. Norem recounts trips made by her brother to Italy to visit Dr. Farnsworth and to England to visit Lord Palumbo. Also discussed are her son’s relationship with Lanning Roper, Lord Palumbo’s landscape architect.

Farnsworth House History - Lorene Burson Norem

Mr. Young was employed by Kendall County at the time a new bridge was being planned the late 1960’s. He worked with Dr. Farnsworth in trying to stop the bridge construction adjacent to her property. Mr. Young is a local author writing about the plants of Kane County. He was instrumental in improving many environmental issues as they pertain to Kane and Kendall counties, as well as the Fox River.

Farnsworth House History - Dick Young

This track is part of an audio story on SavingPlaces.org.
https://savingplaces.org/stories/preserving-the-legacy-of-the-threatt-filling-station

“It just kind of fills you up with a sense of pride because I know where it was at,” said Edward Threatt. “I know the condition that the building was in, working there beside, the contractor [and] seeing all of the problems that had to be overcome in order to get to where we are it’s just amazing. The roof of the building had sunk almost eight inches. How do you get that back up safely without compromising the historical integrity of the building? Things of that nature. So it sort of fills you up with joy. Grandpa would be proud of where we’re at and the things we’ve accomplished because we didn’t give up. We had that ‘Threatt stubbornness,’ so to speak to it, and not give up, we were just stubborn that way. But we came by that honest; that came from Grandpa. And I guess I shouldn’t use stubborn, but we were strong. Because Grandpa was a strong man, and he passed that down to us because it came from Grandpa to his sons [and] to his grandsons.”

Edward Threatt on Pride and the Legacy of the Threatt Filling Station

This track is part of an audio story on SavingPlaces.org. 
https://savingplaces.org/stories/preserving-the-legacy-of-the-threatt-filling-station

“Because of where the station was located on [Route 66], we owned a building right next door to it, which at the time it was a bar my dad [Landers Threatt] had [and] it was [called] the Brown Bomber in recognition of the boxer, Joe Louis,” said Edward Threatt. “We also had a full-size baseball diamond [where they had Negro baseball league games]. We had a Black baseball team. And being surrounded by people who look just like you on a regular, on a daily. And the only time that you ever heard that N-Word was when you left home. There was such a comfort in being surrounded by Black people as a kid. Because, I guess, growing up in the country and being surrounded on the weekends by Black people coming home from school, being surrounded by Black people, there’s a certain degree of comfort in that that you don't necessarily get outside of the community.”

Edward Threatt on Luther, Oklahoma

This track is part of an audio story on SavingPlaces.org. 
https://savingplaces.org/stories/preserving-the-legacy-of-the-threatt-filling-station

“She carried herself in such a way that you couldn’t help but respect her,” said Edward. “And when we started school, we started school, at least I did, in a segregated school. Ms. Threatt taught so many Black students. But then, when segregation ended, and we went to the white school, she was one of the few teachers that was able to transition from a segregated school into the white school. And that degree of respect that she received there, it just kept right on going. And she taught everybody the same way [and] treated everyone the same. It was just a degree of respect that people today that she taught still speak of her with a great deal of respect.”

Edward Threatt on Ms. Elizabeth Threatt as an Educator

This track is part of an audio story on SavingPlaces.org. 
https://savingplaces.org/stories/preserving-the-legacy-of-the-threatt-filling-station

“The station is physically located between two sundown towns, what were sundown towns at the time,” said David Threatt. “So people of color traveling Route 66 couldn't stay in the hotels in those cities. They couldn't go into the restaurants and so forth. People would come to the station, they'd pull around behind the station because they knew they could be safe there and actually spend the night in their vehicle and then be able to get up the next morning, use the facilities, [and] get some gas.”

David Threatt on Sundown Towns

This track is part of an audio story on SavingPlaces.org. 
https://savingplaces.org/stories/preserving-the-legacy-of-the-threatt-filling-station

Hello, my name is Charles David Threatt. I go by my middle name, David. I'm the grandson of Alan Threatt and Alberta Threatt that started the Threatt Filling Station some in the early 1900s. And I'm the president of the Threatt Filling Station Foundation and Co-CEO of the Threatt Legacy LLC. "

"My name is Edward Threatt. I am the grandson of Alan Threatt, Senior and Alberta Threatt. My dad's name is Edmond Threatt. I am the Vice President of the Threatt Filling Station Foundation and the CO-CEO of Threatt Legacy, LLC."

David and Edward Threatt Introductions

As the world transitions from one year to the next, we make resolutions that are either specific and attainable, or broad and aspirational—almost always looking for a way to change the world (even if it's just local) for the better. For preservationists it is a moment to consider our current goals, re-center our intentions, and to see how we can push the movement forward.

We asked nine preservationists about their preservation resolutions for 2024. From the personal to the professional, they acknowledge the need to build stronger partnerships, challenge assumptions, and to continue to fill gaps in the narrative.

"My name is Huy Pham and I am the  executive director for Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation or APIAHiP. My preservation resolution this year is to foster a deeper connection between our most underrepresented communities within the Asian and Pacific Islander American diaspora. While we have plenty of work ahead even in preserving our relatively recognized sites significant to Native Hawaiians, or Chinese and Japanese Americans—we want to be intentional and proactive in the preservation of sites that tell the story of Indian, Pakistani, and South Asian Americans; or Filipino, Vietnamese, and South East Asian Americans including Hmong, Lao, and Cambodian communities; or Korean or Taiwanese Americans; and Pacific Islanders including Chamorro, Guamanian, Samoan communities and so on. In short, my ambitious resolution is to meaningfully live up to APIAHiP’s namesake."

Read the story at www.savingplaces.org/preservation-resolutions-2024

Preservation Resolutions 2024: Huy Pham

As the world transitions from one year to the next, we make resolutions that are either specific and attainable, or broad and aspirational—almost always looking for a way to change the world (even if it's just local) for the better. For preservationists it is a moment to consider our current goals, re-center our intentions, and to see how we can push the movement forward.

We asked nine preservationists about their preservation resolutions for 2024. From the personal to the professional, they acknowledge the need to build stronger partnerships, challenge assumptions, and to continue to fill gaps in the narrative.

“Hello, my name is Ross Bradford, deputy general counsel for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. My preservation resolution for the upcoming year is to visit more historic sites across the country that embody the full American story from the contributions of women, people of color, and the LGBTQIA community.”

Read the story at www.savingplaces.org/preservation-resolutions-2024

Preservation Resolutions 2024: Ross Bradford

As the world transitions from one year to the next, we make resolutions that are either specific and attainable, or broad and aspirational—almost always looking for a way to change the world (even if it's just local) for the better. For preservationists it is a moment to consider our current goals, re-center our intentions, and to see how we can push the movement forward.

We asked nine preservationists about their preservation resolutions for 2024. From the personal to the professional, they acknowledge the need to build stronger partnerships, challenge assumptions, and to continue to fill gaps in the narrative.

Melinda Gustin is a Landscape Historian and Restorationist with Gustin and Associates, Inc. 

“Hello, My I'm Melinda Gustin, a landscape historian and restorationist. My preservation resolution is about placemaking. Not the placemaking of municipal sites or transportation corridors, but rather the smaller scale landscapes and gardens which help define neighborhoods and the places we love. Through the years I have had the pleasure of speaking about the history of landscapes, how they evolved over time, and they informed today's practices. 

Now, many of us are opting for less intense planting schemes, which help reduce water consumption and maintenance requirements. There is also a growing interest in native plants which help reverse the declining numbers of pollinators and preserve and balance the natural environment. These steps make an important impact on the overall health and enjoyment of our neighborhoods and particularly historic sites. This is placemaking it its best. So let's each make it our resolution to preserve, restore and beautify the places that matter.”

Read the story at www.savingplaces.org/preservation-resolutions-2024

Preservation Resolutions 2024: Melinda Gustin

As the world transitions from one year to the next, we make resolutions that are either specific and attainable, or broad and aspirational—almost always looking for a way to change the world (even if it's just local) for the better. For preservationists it is a moment to consider our current goals, re-center our intentions, and to see how we can push the movement forward.

We asked nine preservationists about their preservation resolutions for 2024. From the personal to the professional, they acknowledge the need to build stronger partnerships, challenge assumptions, and to continue to fill gaps in the narrative.

“My name is Amy Glassman and I am the senior program associate for the Future Leaders Climate Initiative at the Aspen Institute. Looking ahead to the new year, I'm making it my resolution to take a deeper dive into the preservation space both professionally and in my personal life. My professional goal for the upcoming year is to ignite a spark in the Future Climate Leader's Fellows, encouraging them to explore careers and preservation work while weaving in the crucial threat of sustainability. For my personal efforts in this space, I've begun planning a new time capsule project that I'm resolving to kick off in 2024. For this project I will be gathering personal stories from the LGBTQIA+ community aiming to a immortalize their stories for generations to come. It's time we celebrate the unsung heroes, the everyday folks, and emphasize that every story, every lived experience, holds immeasurable value. Here's to a new year of preserving history. One unique story at a time.”

Read the story at www.savingplaces.org/preservation-resolutions-2024

Preservation Resolutions 2024: Amy Glassman

As the world transitions from one year to the next, we make resolutions that are either specific and attainable, or broad and aspirational—almost always looking for a way to change the world (even if it's just local) for the better. For preservationists it is a moment to consider our current goals, re-center our intentions, and to see how we can push the movement forward.

We asked nine preservationists about their preservation resolutions for 2024. From the personal to the professional, they acknowledge the need to build stronger partnerships, challenge assumptions, and to continue to fill gaps in the narrative.

“My name is Cyrielle Noël and I use she/her pronouns. I'm from the river island of Tiohtiá:ke which is colonially known as Montreal. But currently I am in Europe and will be ringing in the New Year in Athens. Greece. I'm a marine spatial planner and the founder of Eau daCité, which is an organization whose mission is to nurture the connection between humans and waterways, which we also call blue spaces.  Understanding the relationship between humans and blue spaces, I believe there should be greater attention devoted to preservation efforts of water related material and immaterial heritage, especially within the context of island geographies and coastal cultures. Consequently, my resolution for 2024 is to continue to advocate for the preservation of water and water related heritage.”

Read the story at www.savingplaces.org/preservation-resolutions-2024

Preservation Resolutions 2024: Cyrielle Noël

Transcript: So I mentioned that they modified the project in response to our opposition by proposing these trenches that would go kind of under the historic district and you'd keep the historic neighborhood on top. But then subsequently after we won our big injunction in federal court in July 19, 1999, in fact it would be the 25th anniversary of that injunction. So always a big event to celebrate because that injunction stayed in place for a long time, and really it provided us with a lot of the bargaining leverage as things went forward.

So in response to us getting that injunction, then the agency started making efforts to revise its plans in a way that would be more acceptable. So one of the things they proposed was to build the highway as a complete tunnel, not just these trenches going under the historic, but they proposed doing it completely as a tunnel, which of course would be ridiculously expensive, but also in a very earthquake prone area of the country, raises all kinds of questions about the viability, just the technical viability of it, and ultimately that was rejected as well.

The Injunction: Betsy Merritt on the 710 Freeway Connector

Transcript: Obviously, [laughs] that one, I could hardly believe it after all the years. So the battle went on for, let's see, more than 30 years. The battle itself, I mean, obviously the locals had been fighting it even longer than that, but in terms of the National Trust involvement, I guess that would've been over 30 years. Yeah, just amazing, amazing to have the agency just throw in the towel like that, so to speak.

A Moment of Victory: Betsy Merritt on the 710 Freeway Connector

Transcript: One of the really interesting things about the corridor is that it included a really wide range of economic communities, really much lower economic status at the southern end, and at the northern end in Pasadena pretty wealthy communities. So they were all united, should we say, in the fight. There was really broad opposition because the destruction would've been just so extraordinary.

A United Community: Betsy Merritt on the 710 Freeway Connector

Transcript: So 1988, I'd been there for four years, a little over four years, and there had been some other highway battles that I'd been directly involved with in Mobile, Alabama, Fort Worth, [Texas], and so we were doing a lot of highway related stuff. It was at the 1988 preservation conference, and it was Claire Bogaard [former advisor for the National Trust], she approached me at the conference and said we've got to get the National Trust involved in this 710 battle, that's how it got started. And 1989 was the first year when South Pasadena and the corridor was listed on the 11 Most Endangered list. And it stayed on the 11 Most Endangered list for five years. It was put on the list virtually right away, and that was an important part of our advocacy strategy, was that level of national publicity about it. And just the antiquated approach to transportation was just so egregious that, that really helped us in a way, I mean, this was not a subtle issue. It was so extreme in its level of destruction that it just made no sense at all.

How it Began: Betsy Merritt on the 710 Freeway Connector

Every neighborhood has a place that make it special; a place that is as much about the people who made it as it is the place itself. In L.A.'s South Bay area, that place is the Roadium Swap Meet.

It may not look like much, but the Roadium has thousands of stories to tell, including one about the birth of West Coast Hip Hop..

Kevin Sanada, a field officer in the National Trust's L.A. office grew up a few blocks from the Roadium. We spoke with him about some of the stories it has to tell, why it is an important place, and where it fits in our shared American story. 

The Roadium Swap Meet: Birthplace Of N.W.A.

Okenaisa Fauolo, the Director of the Samoan Studies Institute at American Samoa Community College, talks about the connection between Samoan names and birthplace. Part of America's Eroding Edges: American Samoa series.

Okenaisa Fauolo: "We Mark Our Territories—We Give It Names."

Jeanne Cyriaque is the African American programs coordinator at the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. As part of her job, Jeanne searches for Rosenwald Schools in the more rural parts of Georgia, where more than 250 schools were built, and assists organizations and communities in finding the resources they need to preserve them. 

Voices of Rosenwald Schools: Jeanne Cyriaque

Description from the Final Program: Historic preservation is a powerful vehicle to tell all of our country’s stories. Congressman John Lewis has dedicated his life to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties, and building what he calls “The Beloved Community” in America. As a student at Fisk University, John Lewis organized sitin demonstrations at segregated lunch counters in Nashville and participated in the Freedom Rides, which challenged segregation at interstate bus terminals across the South. Lewis was chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which was largely responsible for organizing student activism in the Movement, including sit-ins and other activities. Congressman Lewis will draw from his powerful experience to look into a future of historic preservation for all Americans.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

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