Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation facts for kids
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation (THPF) is a special group that works to save old buildings and important cultural places in Tucson, Arizona. It's a nonprofit group, which means it doesn't make money for itself. Instead, it uses its funds to help the community. The THPF wants everyone to learn about and protect the unique historic buildings and cultural heritage of Tucson and Pima County. They do this through different programs, events, and by speaking up for preservation.
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How the Foundation Started
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation began in 1985. People in Tucson were worried because many historic buildings were being torn down. They wanted a group that could actively protect these important places. So, the THPF was created to buy, care for, and save endangered historic properties in the Tucson area.
Judge Norman S. Fenton was the first president of the THPF. He explained that the foundation was formed because people felt helpless watching parts of Tucson's history disappear. They needed an organization that could step in and save these buildings.
The foundation's main goal was to have enough money to act quickly when a historic building was in danger. Even though it didn't always buy every building, it helped protect many important places in Tucson. For example, the THPF loaned money to help save the Historic San Pedro Chapel. In the early 1990s, the foundation became less active. However, in 2008, Demion Clinco helped restart the organization with a new board of directors.
What the Foundation Does
Since restarting, the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation has achieved many great things. They have helped save Tucson's cool neon signs. They have also helped get many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as Local Historic Landmarks. This means these buildings are officially recognized as important and worth protecting.
In 2011, the THPF started Tucson Modernism Week. This is an annual event that teaches people about modern architecture and design in Tucson. The foundation has also worked to save early silent films made in southern Arizona. They have even restored and shown old silent movies like The Mine with the Iron Door and Ridin' Wild (1925 film). As of 2016, Demion Clinco was the Executive Director, and Suzy Gershman was the President of the Board.
The foundation has also directly saved important buildings. In 2016, they bought and saved the Hirsh's Shoes building on E Broadway Blvd. In 2019, they saved, bought, and restored the Ball-Paylore House.
Awards for Preservation Heroes
Each year, the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation gives out awards. These awards celebrate people, groups, and projects that work hard to save Tucson's heritage.
The Grand Punch Bowl Award
The THPF Board of Directors gives this award to someone who has done a lot for the foundation's mission and for preservation in Tucson. The person who wins gets to keep a historic punch bowl until a new winner is chosen. This special punch bowl was used for guests at the Lodge on the Desert starting in 1947.
The President's Award
Since 2012, the president of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation has given this award. It recognizes a board member who has made an amazing contribution to the organization.
Foundation Archives
The THPF has an "Archives" section. Think of it like a special library or collection. Its purpose is to support the foundation's mission. The Archives collect, protect, organize, and share historical documents and research materials. This collection includes books, old documents, and photographs. These items are all about architecture, Tucson, Arizona history, historic preservation, and even gardens and landscape design.
