Solvang earns Preserve America status
updated: Oct 27, 2009, 5:41 AM

Source: Conference and Visitors Bureau

Solvang, California, USA— Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director Tracy Farhad proudly announced that Solvang has been designated a federally recognized “Preserve America Community” by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington, DC. On October 7, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama sent the letter of designation to Mayor Jim Richardson and the citizens of Solvang acknowledging the honor stating, “Your community holds a treasured place in the American story, and it is through your vision and dedication that our history will be upheld and our future will be renewed. President Obama and I are proud of your community and we applaud your achievement.”

More than a year ago, the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) began the process to become designated as a “Preserve America Community.” On September 22, 2008, Solvang City Council passed Resolution No. 08-811, authorizing the Mayor and SCVB to execute the lengthy Preserve America application. Kicking off the process, a group of community organizations and their members called Solvang Visionary Leaders was formed to collaborate on a cultural assets inventory as well as share input to preserve and promote Solvang’s cultural heritage; and they were honored by the SCVB at a reception and awards ceremony at the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art on October 8, 2008. After receiving the award notification, Farhad enthused, “We are thrilled to receive this designation heralding Solvang’s authentic cultural heritage!” Mayor Jim Richardson stated, “It is wonderful to be nationally recognized for our historic preservation, especially in anticipation of Solvang’s centennial celebration in 2011.”

Solvang is one of only 30 communities in California and 795 communities in the USA to have received this honor since the program’s inception in 2003. There are many benefits of designation including White House recognition; eligibility to apply for Preserve America Grants; Preserve America Community signage and listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory as well as features in National Register Travel Itineraries and in “Teaching with Historic Places” curricular material created by the National Park Service.

Farhad stated, “We plan to have a public ceremony with dignitaries and officials in January 2010 to celebrate the Preserve America Community designation and unveil the award.” The date, time and place will be announced in early January. For more information about Preserve America, visit preserveamerica.gov and read Solvang’s official description at Solvang description.

Solvang designated “Preserve America Community” Advisory Council Historic Preservation Washington

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