Recommendations for CHCs

THC staff identified programs and services most frequently used by CHCs and developed recommendations that enable CHC appointees to make the most of these preservation opportunities. The recommendation framework enables CHCs of varying sizes and capacities to direct efforts in constructive ways rather than expend energy in work that may be less advantageous in the long run. Keep reading to learn how to apply staff recommendations.

Staff Recommendations

Staff Recommendations to CHCs packet updated October 2016.

NOTE! 2020 adjusted recommendations that take into consideration social distancing are provided HERE.

Recommendation Framework

Recommendations are broken down into 3 levels. Explanation of level framework is outlined below. Application of each level is explained in the staff recommendations (above web link).

Priority Levels

Theme for Each Level

LEVEL 1

Basic responsibility that most every CHC should be able to fulfill

Actions that develop constructive relationships

LEVEL 2

Intermediate step or work item to be addressed if Level 1 priority is in hand

Actions that serve the best interests of county resources

LEVEL 3

Higher level of participation to be addressed if Levels 1-2 are in hand

Actions that demonstrate a county preservation ethic

Level 1 is garnering relationships with THC programs and staff to enable your CHC to make the most of its resources. Don't know much about preservation? That's okay because THC staff and other partner organizations can help you find answers. Don't have many appointees? Don't have much funding? That's okay, too, because you can use your limited resources to work with local and regional organizations on projects and events.

Level 2 is meeting responsibilities that require a better understanding of the cultural and historic resources in your county. Organizationally speaking, your appointees are engaged and making efforts to understand the breadth of county resources and the significance attached to each resource. Level 2 CHCs don't just research what's interesting on a personal level, but embrace statutory obligations on a professional level to preserve and protect the diversity of county resources.

Level 3 is demonstrating a preservation ethic developed from maintaining strategic relationships. At this level, a CHC has shown itself to be an authority on county history. With this positioning and expertise, your CHC is now in a position of authority in which you can influence others, including key decision-makers for local, regional, and statewide issues that affect historic preservation.

Featured THC Programs and Services

CHC recommendation packet (web link above) highlights THC programs and services most frequently used by CHCs. Although we may expand this list in the future, please focus on building up solid programs of work for the featured topics and connecting with THC services associated with those topics. Reference the recommendation packet for directives. Note additional web links below that relate to fulfilling those directives.

Historical Markers Program