Description and Mission
The Blair Historic Properties Registry is a research project of the Blair Historic Preservation Alliance. Its mission is to identify, research, document and recognize Blair sites, districts, structures and locations of historic or architectural interest, public and private, existing and demolished.  It also seeks to increase public awareness of and interest in these sites. 

The Registry will provide the public with scholarly interpretation and information through the news media, brochures, tours, a Website and programs.

The Registry cannot restrict the rights of private property owners or require that properties be maintained, repaired, or restored. It will not list individual properties if owners object.


Goals

  • Act as a community service group
  • Serve as a resource for local history
  • Promote historic awareness in city and residents
  • Build alliances with other local organizations and programs
  • Identify and evaluate properties of historic and/or architectural interest within Blair city limits and make information about them accessible for preservation, planning, advocacy and educational purposes
  • Provide information about properties of historic and/or architectural interest for local and statewide planning
  • Use volunteer researchers, including owners of properties of historic and/or architectural interest, and provide assistance and guidelines for this research
  • Serve as a network for information on property rehabilitation, restoration, funding (such as grants) and historic research
  • Achieve widespread public awareness of properties with historic and/or architectural interest and encourage involvement in their preservation
  • Encourage preservation of historic properties by documenting their significance
  • Encourage and assist a property owner in nominating a site to the National Register of Historic Places if the site seems to meet National Register criteria.
  • Gather, produce and distribute information about historic preservation techniques
  • Develop and maintain a network of historic preservation organizations

Working Methods

  1. Develop  criteria,  list of properties and research priority based on nominations from Alliance members and local residents. The Registry can include private residences, commercial facilities, public and private buildings, and city landmarks.
  2. Conduct research using a variety of source materials and maintain record of resources
  3. Develop a historic timeline
  4. Present research to the public and  preserve findings in appropriate archives