Press Release
Release Date: 2008-01-31
Media Contact:
Peter St. Cyr, Griffin & Associates
(505) 319-3237
pstcyr@griffinassoc.com
A Millennium of New Mexico History
12th Annual Historic Preservation Conference Scheduled for Taos, Nedw Mexico
Taos, NM (February 1, 2008) - New Mexicans have always valued the rich heritage of the 48th state. Seeking inspiring ways to expand awareness, historians, archaeologists, government officials, educators and architects will meet at the 12th Annual Historic Preservation Conference (March 12-14, 2008) in Taos, NM to discuss and learn about methods and resources for preservation renewal. The largest Southwest preservation conference, produced by the New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance (NMPHA), and co-sponsored by the School for Advanced Research, will offer attendees more than 30 sessions by national and state leaders, and tours of many historic sites. "The NMPHA annual conference is a critical tool providing resources and networking opportunities for Main Street leaders across the state," said Rich Williams with New Mexico Main Street Program.
Keynote Address:
Dr. James Brooks, President of the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe, will deliver the opening plenary keynote address. Brooks sets the platform for historic preservation in his speech, "Friction: Conflict and Creativity in Our American Southwest." Brooks will explore the dynamic multi-cultural exchange that has occurred in the Southwest as people compete over scare natural resources and ways of life.
Award Presentations:
Irrigation ditches are the lifeline of agriculture in New Mexico, and Stanley Crawford, author of the award-winning "Mayordomo: Chronicles of an Acequia in Northern New Mexico", will keynote the Statewide Preservation Awards Luncheon on Friday March 15th. Awards made during lunch will include the presentation of the George Clayton Pearl Achievement Award,
Stewart Udall Cultural Landscape Preservation Award, and Night Sky awards.
"The annual conference has become invaluable for the unification of community-based preservation organization, economic development, and heritage tourism across the state," said Chris Wilson, a professor of Cultural Landscape Studies at the University of New Mexico."
Education Sessions:
Thirty education sessions will be offered during the three-day conference. Each session is gear toward teaching preservation.Topics include Preserving an Era thru Film, Monumental Heritage Preservation at New Mexico Monuments, including projects such as the Kiva restoration at Coronado State Monument, Developing Community Asset Databases, and Riding into History on Heritage anagement. Landscapers will learn how to treat historic sites. Other topics to be discussed by attendees include Town Revitalization, New Deal Art, State Parks, Railroads, and Museum Exhibit Design.
Historic Site Tours
Conference attendees will take three tours to gain first-hand insight and perspective. The all-day pilgrimage promises to reveal ancient history and show successful preservation techniques and highlight the principles of the growing field of heritage tourism.Churches on the tour include Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel on the San Juan Pueblo, Santa Cruz de la Canada Mission, built in 1733 and renovated in 1979, the Mission Convento, a replica of the original church built in 1598 at the San Gabriel settlement, and the El Santuario de Chimayo, constructed in 1816 as a private chapel. Additionally, five walking tours are offered during the conference.
Conference Site Highlights
Exhibitors at the Taos Convention Center will show preservation-related programs and products and sponsors and exhibit spaces are available.
Lodging & Conference Brochure
Details on the conference and exhibitor packages are available at www.nmheritage.org. Interested officials and individuals are encouraged to sign up early. And the conference has negotiated special conference lodging deals with many hotels in Taos, NM. Lodging deals and information can be found at www.nmheritage.org or 505.989.7745.
NMHPA Board President Thomas Chavez, PhD invites everyone to become a preservation pilgrim and join the group for a great adventure and networking event.
About NMHPA:
The New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance exists to protect, preserve, advocate, and promote awareness and respect for all that is culturally significant and distinctive about
New Mexico. Aside from this annual conference, collaborative services include the Most Endangered Places, Night Sky Program and Conference, information clearinghouse and technical assistance.
Additional conference information is available at NM Heritgage's website.
Contact: Gary Wolff, New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance (NMHPA) 505.989.7745 conference@nmheritage.org
