Preservation Horizons: A Plan for Historic Preservation in Missouri, 1997 (web page)

Introduction: "Preservation of Missouri's heritage has been a concern of Missourians since the state was formed. As early as the 1840s, citizens spoke out against the destruction of the historic Auguste Chouteau Mansion in St. Louis. With the Missouri Centennial Statehood Celebration of 1921, interest in preserving the state's heritage was renewed. However, it was not until 1966, with the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, that the preservation movement in Missouri, and nationally, came of age. The 1966 law set up a framework of funding and support for State Historic Preservation Offices throughout the country and encouraged states to establish ongoing programs to foster identification, evaluation, registration, and protection of cultural resources of national, state, and local significance. Missouri was one of the first state in the nation to take advantage of this program, receiving federal approval for the formation of a State Historic Preservation Office in 1968. Since 1966, preservation activities in Missouri have increased dramatically. The state has been able to assist in that effort by providing programs, federal grant funds and technical assistance to Missouri citizens. However, the efforts of the state have been equaled or exceeded by the efforts of the Missouri preservation community - organizations, local governments and individuals - which have strengthened and shaped the statewide preservation movement. The success of this preservation partnership is evidenced throughout Missouri. However, despite laudable successes, preservationists face many challenges as the next century approaches. To meet these challenges, preservationists need to expand and strengthen partnerships and work together to achieve common preservation goals. The purpose of this plan is to assist in that effort by identifying and articulating the dreams of Missourians for the future of historic preservation in our state." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Natural Resources, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Preservation Horizons: A Plan for Historic Preservation in Missouri, 1997 (web page)

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