Since the establishment of the National Preservation Act of 1966, Historic Preservation movements have been defined by the national guidelines created as part of this program. And yes, I am an avid supporter of the historic preservation activities endorsed and created through this program, and cannot imagine what many communities would have lost without federal and legislation protecting historic resources. Federal and State historic preservation programs have done an incredible job promoting and preserving the built part of our heritage.
However, I think it is important for us to remember that this program was not intended to be the definitive authority of what is historic and what is not historic. It only provides a guideline. I admit, that it is an important guideline if you are seeking federal or state recognition, or grants from the various agencies and non-profits that support preservation activities. If this is your only goal, that is fine. The programs are flexible enough to keep most people busy applying for grants, tax abatements, and seeking assistance on how best to protect resources eligible for listing.
The community programs that have the most value in my opinion, occur naturally, regardless of the available funding or recognition that is available. Let's consider an example of this for a moment. The preservation act was established in 1966. However, the first "historic district" was formed by zoning in 1931, 35 years prior to the National Preservation Act. This district was formed by the City of Charleston, South Carolina. The establishment and protection of this district is approaching it's 80th year, and has won the city many distinctions over the years. The Charleston Historic District was listed as a national landmark in 1960, six years prior to the passing of the National Historic Preservation Act.
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How do you become a community Superhero? My test is to create something meaningful in your community that betters the lives that surround you. That is exactly what Chester residents did when they made history by preserving history...more specifically the derelict Chester Depot that had so faithfully served passengers from 1915 to the mid 1950’s. And unlike our fictional friends pictured here, these heroes are real.
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What makes the Union African Methodist Church special, and others like it, is its prominent place in history in the development of leadership of African Americans. Early in our history, these churches were necessary In order to participate fully in the experience of the religion preciselybecause they were led by those who had common bonds and who could encourage freedom of expression,even if it was only within the four walls of a church.The African Methodist Episcopal Church was formed 1794 as a response to discrimination lead by Richard Allen, who later became the first Minister of the African American Methodist Church. Many of our great African American Leaders who helped and still work to dissolve the restraints of discrimination started as leaders of churches. Famous Orators such as Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson both started their careers as Pastors. Leadership training under the tutelage of an African American Church no doubt helped our current president, Barak Obama with his refined skills as a speaker.
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