Waterford designated a Preserve America Community

Waterford is among 15 communities nationwide newly designated as Preserve America Communities by the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. A designation letter signed by First Lady Michele Obama was sent on January 21, 2011 to Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York, who sponsored Waterford's application.

Click to enlarge

“Congratulations on your designation as a Preserve America Community, and thank you for all that you do to enhance our Nation’s heritage. Your community holds a treasured place in the American story, and it is through your vision and dedication that our history will be upheld and our future will be renewed,” states Mrs. Obama.

"Preserve America Communities are committed to preserving their past by using their heritage to build a better future," said Wayne Donaldson, chairman of the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP). "It is good news for the nation when 15 more communities demonstrate that they want to enjoy and share the economic, educational, environmental, and sustainability benefits preservation provides while creating more vibrant and desirable places to live, work, and visit." A total of 858 communities nationwide now hold the designation.

"Being designated a Preserve America Community has long been a Waterford Foundation goal because of the added protection it gives the Landmark," said Waterford Foundation President Bonnie Getty. "We are very honored to have achieved this designation for the Landmark and thank the many government officials and local organizations who supported our application."

The Preserve America Community program recognizes a select group of communities that use their heritage resources to share the myriad benefits of historic preservation with residents and visitors. The program began in 2003 and Preserve America Communities are now located in all 50 states and many overseas U.S. territories. Preserve America is administered by the ACHP with assistance from the U.S. Department of the Interior. 

More information about the program can be found at the Preserve America website.