Annual Report 2010 and Work Plan

“To promote, preserve and protect Alachua County’s historic resources.”

 Stagecoach Rd. Historic Marker work and dedication ceremony [w/ Infinite Energy];  Expanded “Dial and Discover” Historic Tour for the Old Florida Heritage Highway, thru a partnership with the City of Gainesville Cultural Affairs Division;  Provided letters of support to grant applications including historical resources for the Alachua County Forever program, Alachua Conservation Trust, Conservation Trust for Florida, and Florida DEP Paynes Prairie Park Visitors Center;  Provided letters of support to National Register nominations [A Quinn Jones House, and Island Grove Masonic Lodge];  Reviewed several cell phone tower applications for any impacts to historic resources;  Input to Comprehensive Plan EAR Amendment Process [promote heritage tourism];  Work on the Cemetery Research for Virtual Cemetery Project-  Coordinated with City of Gainesville for Historic Markers [AGH & Stengel Airfield]  Scenic road nominations

Made possible thru a Partnership with the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Tourism Marketing, & Old Florida Heritage Highway

 Island Grove Masonic Lodge in process of federal review

Virtual Cemetery Project-

 Continue State Historic Marker work [AGH, Stengal Field, Serenola, and others];and dedications;  Erect Scott-Phifer State Historic Marker with current adequate funding available;  Work on Historic Preservation Master Plan; considering a process for the local designation of historic structures (an Alachua County Historic Register);  Working with local history groups, plan for depository of historical records of Historical Commission members and coordinate oral histories and historic preservation efforts;  Assist & advise County with relocation of the Copper Lions statuary;  Continue work on “Dial and Discover” Historic Tour thru partnership with Gainesville;  Continue efforts for County scenic roads and vistas; assist Old Florida Heritage Highway efforts;  Continue work on the Cemetery Research for Virtual Cemetery Project;  Secure funding & partnerships for Scott-Phifer site interpretive displays;  Recognize and document remaining historic farm storage buildings in County.  Assist Ancient Records Coordinator with transcriptions  Investigate alternative technologies for disseminating County historic guides to the public

The study found that cultural and heritage travelers are more likely to participate in culinary activities, such as sampling artisan food and wines, attending food and wine festivals, visiting farmers’ markets, shopping for gourmet foods, and enjoying unique dining experiences as well as fine dining.  Other cultural and heritage activities identified by travelers include visiting historic sites (66%); attending historical re-enactments (64%); visiting art museums/galleries (54%); attending an art/craft fair or festival (45%); attending a professional dance performance (44%); visiting state/national parks (41%); shopping in museum stores (32%); and exploring urban neighborhoods (30%). The vast majority of these travelers (65%) say that they seek travel experiences where the “destination, its buildings and surroundings have retained their historic character.”  Mandala Research, 2009

Assist Old Florida Heritage Highway Efforts- To Include the Paynes Prairie Visitors Center Improvements

Second Wednesday Monthly at 6pm Grace Knight Room Alachua County Administration Building, Downtown Gainesville