California Office of Historic Preservation
March is Women's History Month and Irish American Heritage Month! In recognition of both, our banner image is of the Grass Valley home of Lola Montez, one of the more colorful women in California history. The woman known as "Lola Montez, the Spanish Dancer" actually was born Eliza Rosanna Gilbert in 1821 in Grange, County Sligo, Ireland. Lola Montez lived in Grass Valley for only two years (1853-1855), but during that time she became a well-known figure in the community, and a mentor to her young neighbor Lotta Crabtree, who would go on to earn her own place in California history. The home of Lola Montez was designated California Historical Landmark No. 292 in 1938. Years later, the deteriorated original structure was replaced by the current reconstruction. (Photo courtesy of Jane Pojawa/Creative Commons)
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In This Issue

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World War I Centennial Commemoration

Plans and activities are underway to mark the 100th anniversary of World War I (1914-1918) and the United States' entry into the war. A national commemoration will take place on April 6, 2017, with other events and honors going on throughout this year and the next. 

To honor the 100th anniversary, our office is spotlighting World War I memorials and sites in California. Is there a World War I memorial in your community? If so, we invite you to submit a brief history of the memorial or site along with a high-quality photograph (jpeg or tiff format preferred and please include who to credit for the photograph). We will post submissions to our Facebook page and include some of them in our monthly ePosts. Email your submissions to [email protected], and include "WWI Centennial" in the subject line.  

Visit the website of the United States World War One Centennial Commission to learn more about this historic anniversary, commemorative events, and ways to participate.


(Image: Sacramento Memorial Auditorium was constructed in 1926 as a tribute to local area residents who gave their lives in World War I. In the 1990s the building underwent a restoration and renovation effort. Today, the historic hall is one of Sacramento's signature buildings, and home to community events ranging from concerts to sports. Sacramento Memorial Auditorium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photo courtesy of KingsHeart/Creative Commons)
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New Guidance for Historic Tax Credit Projects
 
The staff of our Architectural Review and Environmental Compliance Unit is pleased to announce the release of a new guidance document: Completing a Successful Tax Credit Project Application . The document addresses common errors committed during the application process and how to avoid them, and provides tips and resources to ensure a smooth, successful application process.

The National Park Service (NPS)  Documentation Requirements webpage provides additional guidance to ensure tax credit application photographs and other documentation meet the NPS criteria for submission.

Visit the OHP Architectural Review webpage to learn more about the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program.

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Cultural Resources in the Age of Climate Change

The National Park Service (NPS) recently released its publication, Cultural Resources Climate Change Strategy. Initially created to assist cultural resource managers dealing with climate impacts in national parks, the document provides timely guidance to all who are responsible for cultural resources in a time of climate change and extremes. The publication lays out goals addressing issues such as coastal erosion, melting sea ice, energy efficiency and challenges, and severe weather impacts. 

Additional information regarding climate impacts on cultural and historic resources is available from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

Finally, with recent flooding impacting California communities and their historic and contemporary resources, we wanted to draw attention to the National Trust publication, Information Booklet No. 82 Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings. First published in 1993, the information contained in the booklet remains relevant and useful today.

(Photo courtesy of USA Today)
News
News and Updates

OHP Public Listening Sessions - Still Time to Participate! 
There is still time to participate in the public listening sessions being conducted by our office as part of the process of developing a new, updated Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, covering the years 2018 through 2022. The State Plan offers a chance for citizens, local and state governments, and tribal communities to outline and articulate collective goals, challenges, and priorities for historic preservation. Click here to learn more about in-person and online session dates, times, and locations. This is your chance to speak up and have a part in shaping the future of historic preservation in California! 


National Register Nominations Voted on at SHRC Meeting
Ten nominations for listing on the National Register of Historic Places were heard at the February 3, 2017 State Historical Resources Commission meeting in Sacramento. The Commissioners voted to forward all ten nominations to the Keeper of the National Register. Visit our Actions Taken page to learn more about the nominated properties. 

Visit the Weekly List page of the National Park Service to see past and recent California listings on the National Register. 


Grant Opportunity from the California Civil Liberties Program
The California State Library administers the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, and is pleased to announce they are accepting applications for this year's grant awards. The state-funded program awards grants to support projects that preserve, interpret, and share the stories and history of the forced internment of Japanese American citizens during World War II. The application deadline is March 20, 2017. 


NPS Accepting Applications for Tribal Heritage Grants
The National Park Service (NPS) is still accepting applications for the 2017 Tribal Heritage Grants. The grants are awarded to Indian Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations to support projects that help to protect and preserve cultural heritage and traditions. The application deadline is March 24, 2017.


Dual Award Honors Excellence in Historic Preservation
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have joined forces to create the ACHP/HUD Secretary's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation. As explained by ACHP Chairman Milford Wayne Donaldson, the award will recognize exemplary efforts "that advance the goals of historic preservation while providing affordable housing and/or expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income families and individuals." The  deadline for nominations is March 27, 2017. 


Proposals Sought for Conference on Sea Level Rise
Proposals are now being accepted for the 2017 Keeping History Above Water Conference. Conference attendees from around the world will share the latest knowledge regarding the impacts of sea level rise on historic coastal communities and resources, and how best to prepare and respond. The  deadline for case study proposals, workshop, and seminar sessions is March 30, 2017. The conference will be held October 29-November 1, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland.


2017-2018 CLG Grants Now Accepting Applications
Our Local Government and Environmental Compliance Unit is now accepting applications for the 2017-2018 Certified Local Government Grants. Grants are awarded to qualifying local governments to assist with a variety of historic preservation projects and programs. Visit our Certified Local Government Program webpage to learn more about the program, and past and present grant recipients. Applications are due May 1, 2017.


Accepting Nominations for the Governor's Historic Preservation Awards
Do you know of a project, organization, agency, or individual whose work exemplifies the best in historic preservation? We encourage you to submit a nomination for the 2017 Governor's Historic Preservation Awards. This state-sponsored award program is an excellent opportunity to give much-deserved recognition to efforts that help preserve California's heritage. Application forms and criteria for the 2017 Governor's Historic Preservation Awards are now available through the OHP website. The  deadline for submissions is May 15, 2017 . Good work is worth celebrating!


Preservation Month is Approaching - What Do You Have Planned?
May is Preservation Month! The month-long observance provides an opportunity to celebrate and educate about the value and many successes of historic preservation. Is your community, organization, tribe, or neighborhood planning Preservation Month activities? Let us know and we will post a link to your event on our California Preservation Month webpage!  
 
Events
Events and Education

California Preservation Foundation (CPF) Workshops


Visit the CPF website for the full calendar of education offerings.


SCA 51st Annual Meeting, Fish Camp, March 9-11
The Society for California Archaeology (SCA) will hold its Annual Meeting, March 9-11, 2017, at the Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp, California. The meeting provides an opportunity for participants to learn and share the latest research, work, and knowledge related to archaeology and cultural resource management and protection. 


Public Meeting for New Historic Context, March 11
The City of Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources is holding a free public meeting to launch the City's development of an African American Historic Context Statement. The historic context will identify themes and historic resources associated with Los Angeles' African American history. The meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2017, at the Holman United Methodist Church, Los Angeles.


OHP Local Government Workshop, San Jose, March 24
Staff from our Local Government and Environmental Compliance Unit will hold their first Local Government Workshop of 2017 on March 24, at the Alfred E. Alquist Building, San Jose. A variety of historic preservation topics and programs of specific interest to local governments will be covered. The Sourisseau Academy for State and Local History, and the  Glory Anne Laffey Architectural Archives are hosting the workshop and managing registration. 


Summer Internship Opportunities Through the NCPE
Internship opportunities with the National Park Service (NPS), Department of the Interior (DOI), and General Services Administration (GSA) are now being offered through the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE). The internships provide current and recently graduated students of historic preservation studies the opportunity to contribute to and learn the work of the NPS, DOI, and GSA. The deadline for applying is March 13, 2017. 


Summer Internships Also Available with the ACHP
There is still time to apply for a summer internship experience with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, the internships provide opportunities for participants to complete projects that contribute to and broaden awareness of the work of the ACHP and its preservation partners. The deadline for applying is March 15, 2017.


HPEF Accepting Proposals for Partners in Training Program
The Historic Preservation Education Foundation (HPEF) is accepting proposals for its Spring 2017 Partners in Training program. Educational institutions and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit training proposals that address specialized topics associated with the technical aspects of preservation. The submission deadline is April 3, 2017.


Main Street Now Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, May 1-3
Registration is now open for the 2017 Main Street Now Conference, to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 1-3, 2017. The conference provides an opportunity for attendees to share and learn about the latest challenges, successes, and best practices related to preserving and revitalizing historic downtowns. 


Registration Now Open for CPF 2017 Annual Conference
The California Preservation Foundation (CPF) is marking its 40th year in 2017! This year's annual conference will provide an opportunity to look at the work and successes of past and present years and also look forward to the future. Visit the CPF website for registration and conference details. The conference will be held in Pasadena, May 10-13, 2017, in partnership with Pasadena Heritage.  


Historicorps 2017 Projects Planned and Underway
The non-profit organization Historicorps is now accepting applications for a variety of volunteer projects nationwide. Volunteers learn valuable preservation skills while working to restore historical and cultural resources. Visit the Historicorps website for project offerings and registration details.

State Historical Resources Commission Meetings for 2017
May 10 - Pasadena
July 28 - TBD
October 27 - TBD

Learn More about Commission meetings,  actions, and responsibilities