'Looking up' to appreciate local history
May 8th, 2007
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Contest promotes city's historic architecture
05/02/07 By Jim Joyner
Members of the City of
This month the commission is conducting its historical scavenger hunt, dubbed "History is Looking Up in
The contest challenges local residents -- or anyone -- to identify specific features on a dozen historic buildings in downtown
"We wanted to figure out some way to spark interest in historical preservation, and at the same time help people appreciate the unique facets of
The contest is being conducted in May as part of Historic Preservation Month, and has a deadline for entries of May 31.
Winners will be chosen at random from all those who identify the addresses correctly.
(Photos of all the historic features to be identified, and a list of "clues," appears on the link below.)
First prize is a framed limited edition print depicting 27 historic buildings in
Other prizes will include gift certificates from area merchants. And beginning May 14, participants who bring their entries to city hall during business hours will receive a commemorative poster.
Goodell has been a member of the
He said the commission thought of the contest as a fun way to pique the curiosity of local residents, and also to get people to walk around
"That's certainly the other part of it," he said. "We hope people will go out, look for these buildings and also explore
The commission led by example -- Goodell said members toured downtown to look at, and discuss, possible sites to be part of the contest.
"We went out as a group, walked around downtown and took some pictures, then we sat down as a commission and tried to pick the 12 most compelling," he said.
The result is a mix of eras and styles, from ornate iron detailing to chimney pots, and styles that reflect Gothic, Greek Revival and French influences. And here's a clue: All of the sites chosen are along
"We hope people have fun, and learn a little bit more about their community," he said.
"I think people appreciate history in
"We hope that seeing some of the city's historic architecture will help people have a deeper appreciation of it, and feel strongly about wanting to preserve it, and asking, 'How can I help?' "
The history contest is part of the current Historic District Commission's goal to raise awareness about the city's rich history -- and its preservation efforts.
The commission is composed of five residents who work with city staff on issues relating to preservation. Some of the members, like Goodell, make history their living; others simply have a keen interest in preservation.
Though it's not a requirement, all of the current members of the commission live within
It is a requirement that they be city residents.
The current members, in addition to Goodell, are Chairman Dean Camlin, Vice Chair Kristen Stevens, Laurie Walters and Susan Thomas.
Goodell said the commission can review applications for changes in historic properties -- but the city has no ordinance mandating that property owners must comply.
The panel's big focus, he said, is helping to make residents aware of tax credits and other programs that exist to help owners of historic properties improve their homes and businesses.
A recent workshop on the subject resulted in a few new applications for tax credits -- which makes Goodell happy.
"Maryland is really a good state in terms of preservation," he said. "We try to make people more aware of what's out there to help."
For more information on the work of the Historic District Commission, call Tim Rogers at City Hall, at 410-848-4628.
Ready, set, hunt ...
The Westminster Historic District Commission is promoting its "History is Looking Up in
In addition to being available below, additional copies of the form are available at the office of The
