Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation facts for kids
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation is a special group that works to save and celebrate the old buildings, unique designs, and cultural history of Tucson, Arizona. It's a non-profit group, which means it doesn't try to make money. Instead, it focuses on helping people learn about and protect the amazing historic places in Tucson and Pima County. They do this through different activities like teaching programs, sharing information about old buildings, and holding fun cultural events.
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Protecting Tucson's Past
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation started in 1985. People were worried because many old buildings in Tucson were being torn down. They wanted a group that could actively protect these important parts of Tucson's history. So, in March 1985, the Foundation was created. Its main goal was to buy, take care of, and save historic properties in the Tucson area that were in danger. The Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission helped a lot to get the Foundation started.
The first president of the group, Judge Norman S. Fenton, said that the Foundation was made by people who felt helpless watching historic buildings and parts of Tucson's heritage disappear. They needed a group that could step in and save them.
Interestingly, the first money for the Foundation came from selling parts of an old mansion called "Avalon House" that was being torn down. The Foundation wanted to build up enough money to act quickly when historic buildings were in danger. Even though it didn't always buy buildings directly, it helped protect many historic places in Tucson. For example, the Foundation loaned money to the Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association to help save the Historic San Pedro Chapel.
In the early 1990s, the Foundation became less active. But in 2008, under the leadership of Demion Clinco, the group was reorganized, and a new board was formed.
Since then, the organization has achieved many things:
- They have helped save Tucson's cool neon signs.
- They have helped get many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as Local Historic Landmarks. This helps protect them.
- The Foundation started Tucson Modernism Week in 2011, which is an annual event that teaches people about modern architecture and design.
- They have worked to save old silent films made in southern Arizona. This includes restoring and showing movies like The Mine with the Iron Door and Ridin' Wild (1925 film).
As of 2016, Demion Clinco is the Executive Director, and Suzy Gershman is the President of the Board.
In 2016, the Foundation bought and saved the Hirsh's Shoes building in Tucson. In 2019, they also saved, bought, and restored the Ball-Paylore House.
Awards and Recognition
Each year, the Foundation gives out awards to celebrate people, groups, and projects that help save Tucson's heritage.
The Grand Punch Bowl Award
Every year, the Foundation's board honors a person who has done a lot to help the Foundation's mission and has made a big difference in preserving Tucson's history. The person who wins gets to keep a special historic punch bowl until a new winner is chosen the next year. This punch bowl was used to serve guests for many years, starting in 1947, at the Lodge on the Desert.
The President's Award
Since 2012, the president of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation has recognized a board member each year. This award is for a board member who has made an amazing contribution to the organization.
Historical Records
The organization has an "Archives" section. This is where they keep important historical documents and research materials. These archives help the Foundation continue its work. They have a collection of books, old documents, and photographs. These materials cover topics like architecture, Tucson, Arizona history, historic preservation, and even garden design.
