The process by which a building or landmark receives historic designation is exceeding complex and requires a great deal of time. This is why the Downtown Historic Preservation Task Force proposed streamlining the landmark designation process. Their nine point plan included:

1. Establishing a Preservation Solutions Committee to advocate and  implement recommendations.

2. Streamline the landmark designation

 process.

3. Assess staffing related to preservation.

4. Expand staff review time for proposed demolition of historic buildings in and near downtown.

5. Educate the public about preservation.

6. Conduct a survey downtown and nearby to serve as a baseline.

7. Identify strategies and incentives that address market conditions and barriers to redevelopment. 

8. Prepare and adopt a new preservation plan for the city.

9. Create a forum for partnerships where common interest is being pursued

Unfortunately the Arts, Culture and Libraries Committee acted on only one of the nine items, instructing the city attorney's office to craft a proposal for a 30-day demolition delay into an ordinance for council review. The organization Preservation Dallas is working hard to bring issues such as this to the public's attention, however, they need your support.

Returning once again to the History Relevance Campaign, history and heritage organizations play a vital role in our communities' economy. Many do not realize that history can be a catalyst for economic growth. Many are drawn to communities that have preserved

a strong sense of historical identity and character. "Cultural heritage is a demonstrated economic asset and an essential component of any vibrant local economy, providing an infrastructure that attracts talent and enhances business development. "  

 If you are interested in safeguarding the historic remnants of Dallas' past and its architectural history I encourage you to contact your city councilman and tell them to put the entire package in front of the full council for a comprehensive briefing as soon as possible.

Greenwood Cemetery Walking Tour

with Paul McLin (lead guide) and Frances James (assisting as health allows)

This beautiful, well-kept and well-managed cemetery, which is still active, began as Trinity Cemetery in 1876.  The name was changed to Greenwood in 1896.  It covers over 30 acres and contains around 14,000 graves.  In addition to its hundreds of noted residents, Greenwood has one of the largest populations of Civil War veterans - both CSA and Union - and some of the finest monuments and mausoleums in the area.  History comes alive here!

This is a walking tour only.  Participants will meet at the Greenwood cemetery for the tour.

Date:  May 16th, 2015

Time:  10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Saturday morning)

Pick up/Drop off:  Greenwood Cemetery

Price:  $15Members / $25Non Members

______________________________________________________________

Running with Bonnie and Clyde

with John Neal Phillips

Uncover the lives of the famous outlaw lovers from Dallas, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, with author John Neal Phillips.  Tour will include lunch.

Date:  May 25th, 2015 (Memorial Day Monday)

Time:  9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Pick up/Drop off:  The Hall of State in Fair Park

Lunch:  Olive Garden

Price:  $45 Members / $55 Non Members

Hurry! This tour always sells out!!

Click here to view full tour schedule

May Day Festival at the Juanita Craft Civil Rights House. Juanita Craft was a civil rights pioneer. She was also a naturalist, a public servant, and a true lover of South Dallas. Come out and celebrate her life and legacy. Plant a flower, tour her home, eat, drink, laugh, and learn.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2015  @ 11 AM

Where: 2816 Warren Avenue

Cost: Free to the Public

______________________________________________________________

The Life and Times of Willie Velasquez: Su voto es su voz by Juan Sepulveda.

Hall of State in Fair Park

3939 Grand Avenue

Dallas, Texas 75210

P: 214-421-4500

F: 214-421-7500 

HOURS ARE:

TUESDAY -SATURDAY    10:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

SUNDAY  1:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M.