Nat'l Trust for Historic Preservation Conference

[PonderInc]

Just a reminder that the National Trust for Historic Preservation will hold its annual conference in Tulsa this year (Oct 21-25, 2008).  This is a huge deal for Tulsa!  Not only will it bring national attention to our city and our architectural treasures...it will bring hundreds of preservation experts to our doorstep (allowing us to pick their brains and ask for advice).

The theme this year is "Preservation in Progress" which reflects the fact that Tulsa's preservation efforts are in no way complete or secure. As an example, we have lost approximately 50% of our art deco architecture to demolition and development.  Yet much remains that must be protected for future generations.  Tulsa is also increasingly being recognized for its mid-century modern architecture, and some strides have been taken to protect mid-century architecture in areas like Ranch Acres.  Meanwhile our downtown treasures are completely at risk with no protective ordinances.

Learn more about the NTHP Conference (including volunteer opportunities): http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/training/npc/

Learn more about Scholarship Opportunities (including over 200 scholarships that will be offered only to Oklahomans): http://www.nthpconference.org/Information/scholarships.html

[PonderInc]

The deadline for scholarships for Oklahoma residents is June 1.  (They will offer 100 scholarships to Oklahomans "whose attendance will benefit their community and whose commitment to historic preservation will be strengthened by their participation.")  Here's the link to the scholarship application: Oklahoma Scholarships to NTHP Conference

This is an amazing opportunity for Tulsa... let's make sure we get a lot of Tulsans to the conference!  (I know that many folks from OKC and small towns throughout OK are excited about this opportunity, as well.)

[Conan71]

Hey Ponder!  I enjoyed our chat at Topeca's.  It's amazing how many celebrities go in and out of that place!  Who'd thought that Rod Stewart would have just waltzed in....how did he say he knew of the place?

[PonderInc]

I think he must have read about it on the TulsaNow forum. []

[hoodlum]

dont forget Lortondale as well.

we will have a home tour during the Conference that will be tied into an overall Mid-Century Modern Home tour of Tulsa.

Also a heads up, i am chairing a Modern Tulsa committee for the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. We are currently organizing and I will post more information in the future.

[PonderInc]

I would never forget Lortondale!  For those who want to learn more, here's a nifty website: http://www.lortondale.com/

And here's a nice article on the Tulsa Preservation Commission's website about our endangered mid-century modern architecture: http://www.tulsapreservationcommission.org/endangered/recentpast/

In fact, kudos to the folks at the TPC for their much-enhanced website.  They have really improved it a lot in the past year, and they keep adding to it.  If you haven't taken a peek lately, check it out!  http://www.tulsapreservationcommission.org/