Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission

Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission
Name	Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission
Location	Otsego County, New York

Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission is a government agency responsible for preserving the historic and cultural heritage of Otsego County, New York, which is home to the Village of Cooperstown, the Farmers' Museum, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The commission works to identify, evaluate, and protect historic resources, such as the Hyde Hall and the Fenimore Art Museum, in collaboration with organizations like the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the National Park Service. The commission's efforts are guided by the principles of historic preservation, as outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and are influenced by the work of preservationists like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lady Bird Johnson. The commission's work is also informed by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the National Register of Historic Places.

Introduction

The Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission plays a crucial role in preserving the county's rich history, which dates back to the American Revolution and includes notable events like the Cherry Valley Massacre and the Battle of Oriskany. The commission's work is closely tied to the efforts of local historical societies, such as the Otsego County Historical Society and the Cooperstown Historical Society, as well as state and national organizations like the New York State Historical Association and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The commission's activities are also influenced by the work of notable historians like Henry Adams and David McCullough, who have written extensively on the history of the region. Additionally, the commission collaborates with other government agencies, such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the United States Department of the Interior, to ensure that historic resources are protected and preserved for future generations.

History

The Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission was established in accordance with the New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980, which authorized the creation of local historic preservation commissions to identify, evaluate, and protect historic resources. The commission's history is closely tied to the development of historic preservation in the United States, which was influenced by the work of pioneers like Ann Pamela Cunningham and Charles E. Peterson. The commission's early efforts were focused on identifying and documenting historic resources, such as the Otsego County Courthouse and the Cooperstown Village Hall, and working with property owners to protect and preserve these resources. The commission has also been influenced by the work of notable architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei, who have designed buildings and structures that are now considered historic landmarks. Furthermore, the commission has collaborated with other organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism in the region.

Responsibilities

The Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for a range of activities, including historic resource surveys, National Register of Historic Places nominations, and historic district designations. The commission works closely with property owners, such as the Clark Foundation and the New York State Historical Association, to provide technical assistance and guidance on historic preservation projects. The commission is also responsible for reviewing and commenting on development proposals that may affect historic resources, such as the Cooperstown Bypass and the Otsego County Airport. The commission's work is guided by the principles of historic preservation, as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and is influenced by the work of preservationists like Lee H. Nelson and Charles Birnbaum. Additionally, the commission collaborates with other government agencies, such as the Federal Highway Administration and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, to ensure that historic resources are protected and preserved during development projects.

Historic Designations

The Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission has been instrumental in securing historic designations for a number of properties and districts in the county, including the Cooperstown Historic District and the Hyde Hall Historic District. The commission has worked with property owners, such as the Farmers' Museum and the Fenimore Art Museum, to prepare National Register of Historic Places nominations and to develop historic district designations. The commission has also collaborated with other organizations, such as the National Park Service and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism in the region. The commission's work has been recognized by organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Preservation League of New York State, which have awarded the commission for its efforts to preserve the county's historic resources. Furthermore, the commission has worked with local businesses, such as the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce and the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism as a way to support local economic development.

Projects and Initiatives

The Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission has undertaken a number of projects and initiatives to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism in the county. The commission has worked with local organizations, such as the Otsego County Historical Society and the Cooperstown Historical Society, to develop historic walking tours and to promote historic sites, such as the Farmers' Museum and the Fenimore Art Museum. The commission has also collaborated with other government agencies, such as the New York State Department of Economic Development and the United States Department of Commerce, to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism as a way to support local economic development. The commission's work has been influenced by the work of notable preservationists like James Marston Fitch and Carter H. Harrison Jr., who have written extensively on the importance of historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism. Additionally, the commission has worked with local educational institutions, such as the State University of New York at Oneonta and the Hartwick College, to develop educational programs and materials that promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism.

Membership and Meetings

The Otsego County Historic Preservation Commission is composed of members who are appointed by the Otsego County Board of Representatives. The commission meets regularly to discuss historic preservation issues and to make recommendations on historic resource surveys, National Register of Historic Places nominations, and historic district designations. The commission's meetings are open to the public, and the commission encourages public participation and input on historic preservation issues. The commission's work is also influenced by the work of notable historians like Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and Doris Kearns Goodwin, who have written extensively on the history of the region. The commission has collaborated with other organizations, such as the New York State Archives and the Library of Congress, to promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism in the region. Furthermore, the commission has worked with local community groups, such as the Cooperstown Community Arts Center and the Otsego County Community Foundation, to develop programs and initiatives that promote historic preservation and cultural heritage tourism.

Category:Historic preservation commissions in the United States