As we celebrate National Historic Preservation Month this May, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on the rich history that shapes Georgia’s cities. Historic preservation is more than just safeguarding buildings; it’s about maintaining the soul of our communities and ensuring that future generations can experience the stories embedded in our landmarks.
To spotlight on this critical work, GC reached out to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s President and CEO Wright Mitchell who shares valuable insights into the organization’s efforts and the ways they are helping Georgia’s cities thrive while preserving their historical integrity. Through partnerships, advocacy, and a commitment to education, the Georgia Trust continues to empower cities across the state to protect their past while building a vibrant future.
GC: Can you share an overview of The Georgia Trust and its mission, particularly regarding its impact on cities and communities across the state?
WM: The Mission of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is to work for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocate their appreciation, protection and use. The Georgia Trust envisions communities where new development complements and reinforces thriving downtowns and historic neighborhoods, contributing to a healthy and enriched humane environment.
GC: What steps is The Georgia Trust taking to ensure the preservation of historic places and spaces over the next five years?
WM: The Georgia Trust fulfills its mission through a variety of preservation programs designed to preserve historic places. We have a Revolving Fund that takes distressed historic properties and sells them to preservation minded buyers subject to a rehabilitation agreement and preservation easement. We administer a Places in Peril program that highlights the most endangered historic sites in the State of Georgia. We also award grants to worthy preservation projects in partnership with the 1772 Foundation. In addition to the foregoing, we also routinely advocate for legislation that increases the financial incentives available to homeowners and developers to undertake historic rehabilitation projects.
GC: What challenges or trends are you observing in the field of historic preservation today throughout the state?
WM: As we have seen with the floods in North Carolina and the fires in California, climate change and associated natural disasters present the biggest threat to historic resources that we have seen in many years. This is a complicated issue and there does not seem to be any real consensus in the preservation world regarding how to tackle the problem. Of course, the issue is not one impacting just historic resources as the entire world is dealing with the effects of climate change. Many of the brightest minds in the preservation world are wrestling with the topic, and it will be interesting to see what solutions are proposed.
GC: What resources or support does The Georgia Trust offer to cities that may need help with historic preservation efforts?
WM: The most effective way a city can preserve its historic resources is by forming a local Historic Preservation Commission and enacting a historic preservation ordinance. The Georgia Trust partners with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to educate citizens and community leaders about the benefits of establishing a Historic Preservation Commission. The Georgia Trust also maintains a list of resources on its website designed to assist owners of historic properties with the mechanics of protecting and preserving their homes and buildings.
As we look to the future of Georgia’s cities, the importance of historic preservation cannot be overstated. By working with organizations like the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, we ensure that the rich stories of our past are not only preserved but celebrated, providing a sense of identity and pride for future generations.