The Washington State Historic Preservation Plan 2021-2026: Inhabiting Our History

Introduction: "The people of Washington State have a rich history. Indigenous peoples were the first inhabitants; they have sustained rich and flourishing cultures stretching back millennia to the present. People from African, Asian, European, and Hispanic cultures arrived much later having reached the region in the late 18th century. The history of this long span of time tells the story of how those who came before us shaped present-day Washington State. Knowing and understanding this vast heritage compels us to be proactive in working with indigenous communities to see that their cultural resources are protected as well as those of other descendent communities. To ensure the stewardship of important cultural resources into the future, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) develops and implements a State Historic Preservation Plan (Plan) every five years in collaboration with Tribes, the historic preservation community, and key stakeholders. The Plan Steering Committee played a key role in developing the document, working with the SHPO to identify key issues and priorities. This Plan sets forth a vision and strategic direction for historic preservation efforts in the state during the defined 5-year planning cycle from 2021 to 2026. The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) under the direction of the SHPO (a State official appointed by the Governor) spearheads and/or coordinates these preservation efforts. The Washington State Historic Preservation for 2014-19: Getting the Future Right unfolded as the state and nation recovered from the impacts of the economic recession of 2008. The goals and strategies incorporated in Getting the Future Right sought to position historic preservation as a proven economic and community development tool. The Washington State Historic Preservation Plan for 2021-26: Inhabiting Our History was crafted during a period when the state and nation faced the global COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest in 2020. Without doubt, these events brought about a multitude of societal and economic changes, but it also illustrates to millions how worldwide events can affect each of us in a very direct and personal way. Moreover, experiencing these events brought home how events, even in the distant past, continue to shape our communities in a very ways. The context during which Inhabiting Our History was written has been challenging. Marked by abundant questions about the future, a scarcity of trust in the present, and challenges to long held assumptions, historic preservation work rarely seemed so challenging. At the same time, it has neve been more important and fuller of opportunity. The 2021 to 2026 Plan is proactive in broadening the work of historic preservation to include what we will refer to as 'intangible cultural heritage' or 'living heritage', that is, embracing in our work a broader range of cultural resources. Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) resources are not necessarily 'places' but rather emblematic of cultures and community identity. Examples include language, ceremonies/celebrations, crafts, music, building traditions and more. By implementing ICH goals, preservationists will expand the scope of preservation to include more than the buildings, structures, sites, districts, and objects that have defined the profession since passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966..." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Washington State Historic Preservation Plan 2021-2026: Inhabiting Our History

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