Expanded Mission Statement
(Working Draft)

Purpose Statement
What is the reason for our existence?
The Mission of the Blair Historic Preservation Alliance is to be an advocate for the protection and appreciation of the city’s historic assets.

private not-for-profit organization.

Value & Vision Statements
Why is this important?? What do we see for the future? What are the fears?

This mission is based on the philosophy that preservation promotes a sense of value in our community and provides vision for our actions. The record of our collective past is what defines us as a people and, therefore, we are dedicated to preserving this record for the benefit of future generations.

• We hold that Blair, like other progressive towns, must recognize and respect its history to benefit from its lessons and insights. 
• We hold that preservation of original features of our city enhances the authentic, small town appeal and charm which are both beneficial and irreplaceable.
• We hold that our community must have opportunity to fully consider the ramifications of changes in the city’s landmark areas and that the public has a definable legal interest in both privately and publicly-owned historic properties.
• We hold that historic preservation contributes to the quality of life of the Blair community and is culturally, educationally, aesthetically and economically beneficial to the public.
• We see that historic preservation can be a key to community revitalization, as it is in other communities.
• We see a future where generations will also find benefit from the heritage that we have preserved.
• We see that links with our heritage are cause for celebration.
• We believe our demonstrated aesthetic sensitivity defines us as a people of culture.
  • We fear continued destruction of historic features like the Old Crowell Mansion, the Train Depot, and Main Street architectural facades.

Objectives/Goals
How is the Mission obtained?

As an Advocate we plead and defend our causes to protect and celebrate our historic assists. We recognize the power of a unified (allied) voice and a network of resources. To these ends, the Alliance seeks to:

• Promote public support for the preservation of historic assets.
• Provide networking and informational assistance to owners of historic properties and local heritage preservation programs.
• Align with other community enhancement groups to pool resources and consolidate efforts toward a common and mutual goal.
• Lobby local government agencies and elected officials to adopt historically sensitive policies, practices and legislation which strengthens heritage preservation.

(Objectives to consider later)

• Provide coordination and leadership in promoting/celebrating our historic character through community activities such as seminars, workshops, festivals, tours and education efforts.
• Seek funding for the acquisition, stabilization, and restoration of cultural properties so that they may be preserved.

The identification and evaluation of the city’s historic sites is an essential function that serves as a basis for developing evaluation criteria, short- and long-range planning, research activities, and preservation initiatives. We recognize the strategic value of the information we maintain for preservation and public education. To these ends, the Alliance seeks:

• To encourage, coordinate, and carry out efforts to identify and inventory our historical assets.
• In alliance with the Washington County Historical Association, research these assets and document information that will add in the planning, evaluation, and review of preservation activities.
• In alliance with the WCHA, serve as an information clearinghouse and archival resource relating to the community's historic sites.

Education is the vehicle through which the preservation of our historic properties is promoted and through which public support for this goal can be achieved. It is necessary for the Alliance to reach out to the public who we serve and to engage their interest and cooperation in preserving the assets of our collective heritage. We recognize education as a vital part of the mission of this organization. To these ends, the Alliance seeks:

• To present compelling information to the community, government agencies and elected officials to develop appreciation of our heritage and historic assets 
• In alliance with other community groups, develop and conduct outreach programs that promote an appreciation of cultural heritage and the preservation of that heritage.