The Test of Time
It’s 2010, a new year, a new decade, a new day. At MPA, we are excited at what the next 10 years may bring; we have been laying bricks and strengthening foundations on the building project we call Montana Preservation for over two decades now. Finally, we are raising the walls and putting shape to things, and we hope that our handiwork will stand strong for many generations to come.
The first decade of the 2000s was a transformative one for MPA and for preservation in our state. From the National Trust for Historic Preservation came financial support and the faith that MPA could grow to become a powerful voice in Montana. Through grants totalling over $200,000, and thousands of hours by regional staff in Denver, the Trust has supported all we do. Their investments in MPA helped us to hire staff, open an office, hire more staff, open a bigger office, and help an ever-growing network of people to preserve Montana’s heritage.
Now, we are forging a new partnership, between with Trust, MPA and the Montana History Foundation, to fund and assist preservation projects all across Montana. Together, we work with 20 federal and state agencies, half a dozen local preservation non-profits, 15 community preservation offices, Montana’s Main Street communities, Montana’s Preserve America communities, owners of endangered properties and everyone who loves and believes in preserving historic Montana.
Highlights of the last decade include:
- Dramatic saves of the Boulder River School Administrative Building, Story Mansion, Libby High School and Miles City Depot
- Successful legislation creating Montana’s Main Street program, and a new Centennial Farm & Ranch program
- Publications Coming Home and Of Sage & Stone
- $4 Million Dollars for Historic Preservation Stimulus Grants
- Creation of MT’s Most Endangered Places program with Grants to Preserve Endangered Industrial Architecture
A lot can happen in 10 years. For 2010 to 2020, we can’t wait to see what that might be.
Chere Jiusto
