Historic Preservation Program and Review Board Recognized for Clarend

Published on August 07, 2020

[caption id="attachment_26489" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Clarendon War Memorial historic markers were dedicated Nov. 11, 2019. Watch video.[/caption]

Arlington's Historic Preservation Program staff and Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) will be honored with a Commission Excellence Award in the category of Best Practices: Public Outreach/Advocacy from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) during its virtual conference on Aug. 7. The award recognizes the work of County staff and the HALRB on the Clarendon War Memorial Interpretive Project.

Clarendon War Memorial Interpretive Project

Dedicated on Nov. 11, 2019, the eleven historic markers that comprise the Clarendon War Memorial Interpretive Project describe the impact of 20^th- and 21^st-century conflicts on Arlington's community and landscape. The markers stand in Clarendon Central Park adjacent to the Clarendon War Memorial, which commemorates the Arlingtonians who lost their lives in five conflicts. Research undertaken for the interpretive project revealed the names of five additional Arlington servicemen whose World War I sacrifice had previously gone unrecognized.

Sponsored in part by a grant from the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and fundraising efforts spearheaded by the County's World War I Commemoration Task Force, the interpretive project represents the culmination of more than a year's collaboration between County staff and the HALRB with the Task Force, Arlington's veterans, and numerous community stakeholders.

"This project was an unprecedented government and community collaboration that honors our local veterans by sharing their stories and sacrifices with future generations. It also highlights individuals and groups overlooked in the past, such as women, Black Arlingtonians, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community," said Cynthia Liccese-Torres, Historic Preservation Program Supervisor. "We are thrilled to receive recognition from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions and hope residents and visitors alike learn more about Arlington's history through this project."

Historic Preservation Program and Review Board

The County's Historic Preservation Program (HPP) documents and protects Arlington's history, both as it connects to, and exists separately from, the built environment. The HPP staff preserve places and stories that link Arlington to its past and contribute to its character so that all can explore, understand, and appreciate the diverse history, architecture, and people that weave the fabric of the County's heritage.

The HALRB advises the County Board on historic preservation matters. One of more than 50 standing regulatory commissions and advisory groups, the HALRB considers properties for local historic designation and provides input on historic markers and development projects. The board also reviews plans for exterior alterations, demolition, and new construction in locally designated historic districts through the Certificate of Appropriateness process.

National Alliance of Preservation Commissions

The NAPC builds strong local preservation programs through education, advocacy, and training. Founded in 1983, the NAPC provides technical support, education, and a forum for discussion of mutual challenges to local preservation commissions throughout the United States. The Alliance also serves as a national voice to represent these commissions' needs.

The NAPC instituted its Commission Excellence Awards to recognize and honor outstanding efforts and achievements by local historic preservation commissions and boards of architectural review. The awards, given at the Alliance's biennial FORUM conference, highlight best practices and exceptional accomplishments by commissions at the local level, for both large and small communities.