Historic Hartford: Architectural History in Hartford, A Snapshot
2018. Historic Hartford: Architectural History in Hartford, A Snapshot. Vermont Division for Historic Preservation; Town of Hartford; Hartford Historic Preservation Commission; Hartford Historical Society
From introduction: "In the early 1990s the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural resources convened a 'Design Issues Study Committee' to look at scenic and historic landscapes in Vermont. The introduction to their report highlighted what history means to Vermonters: 'Two hundred years of economic forces have helped shape the Vermont landscape. Until recent times, its pastoral character was punctuated by compact rural villages, mill towns and small cities. The picturesque result of those years of labor are a major reason why individuals and businesses want to stay here and tourists want to visit. Moreover, many aesthetic aspects of the environment have strong social overtones. Places that are aesthetically enriching naturally encourage a sense of well-being in the people who live and work in them. The smallest element in a designed environment - a park bench, for example - can promote or hinder social interaction, a sense of community and pride of place.' Over 25 years after this paragraph was penned, preserving our unique heritage remains as important and viable as ever. Numerous economic studies have clearly underlined the value that historic properties, intact villages and downtown and re-imagined uses for old buildings and sites bring to our communities. Efforts in restoration, renovation and redevelopment provide jobs, enhance property values, promote heritage tourism (and tourism is a leading economic driver in Vermont), provide opportunities for meaningful economic investments, have positive social impacts, and lead to a more sustainable future. Hartford has already experienced the positive benefits that preservation brings, but there is still much to be done, and the work must continue." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior (grant number P17AF00049).
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Date of Issue
- 2018
- Publisher
- Vermont Division for Historic Preservation; Town of Hartford; Hartford Historic Preservation Commission; Hartford Historical Society
- Units
- HPF
- Keywords
- Certified Local Governments, Historic Resource Surveys (Municipality)