20070502 Looking up to appreciate local Westminster history

'Looking up' to appreciate local history

May 8^th, 2007

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Contest promotes city's historic architecture

05/02/07 By Jim Joyner

Members of the City of Westminster's Historic District Commission believe preservation efforts in the city are "looking up," and they hope local residents will also look up -- literally -- to participate in a contest designed to promote the community's historic architecture.

This month the commission is conducting its historical scavenger hunt, dubbed "History is Looking Up in Westminster."

The contest challenges local residents -- or anyone -- to identify specific features on a dozen historic buildings in downtown Westminster, and send in an entry that lists the addresses.

"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 Westminster architecture," said Greg Goodell, chairman of the contest for the commission.

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 Westminster, created last year by artist Connie Ward Woolard.

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 Westminster Historic District Commission since 2004, and works in the history business -- he is employed by the National Park Service as superintendent of Museum Services at Gettysburg National Battlefield.

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 Main Street and "rediscover" the downtown area.

"That's certainly the other part of it," he said. "We hope people will go out, look for these buildings and also explore Main Street."

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 Main Street and its immediate side streets, Goodell said.

"We hope people have fun, and learn a little bit more about their community," he said.

"I think people appreciate history in Westminster -- we know people come out in large numbers to the Memorial Day Parade and for other events," Goodell said.

"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?' "

Mission of preservation

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 Westminster's Historic District.

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 Westminster" contest. The contest appears on the link below, and the commission will also have copies of the entry "poster" available at its booth at the Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival on May 12 along Main Street.

In addition to being available below, additional copies of the form are available at the office of The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St. So click away and start looking up -- entries are due at City Hall by May 31.