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Save Our Heritage Organisation
Reflections Quarterly Newsletter

Summer 2006 - Volume 37, Issue 2

President's Message

Hope Springs Eternal
By Beth Montes

A few weeks ago and for the second year in a row, I was a member of the People in Preservation Awards jury. It was such a positive experience, made even more pleasant because so much of what we preservationists deal with is negative; the constant battle against teardowns, the endless negotiation sessions, the court fights, and more can sap one's resolve. But, the night the jury met was fun. We had a little pizza and began to discuss the nominations.

Every nomination was a positive affirmation that there are people out there who are getting it. They are working hard to restore their homes, stripping away years of indignities, replacing features that were removed in some era of insanity. Some are professionals whose work we see nominated time and time again. And we are thrilled to recognize them over and over because they continue to do superb work by educating clients, applying Secretary of the Interior Standards for restoration and rehabilitation, and refusing to compromise. Some nominees have been interested in preservation for years, while others are young historians in training. Some never pick up a hammer, but instead use words to rally support.

By the end of the evening, I felt recharged, even hopeful. I recently read an article, which argued the premise that hope is a bad thing when it comes to activism because when one has hope it is easy to hope that someone else will take up the fight. The author stated that it is only when there is no hope left that we realize it is up to us to take up the sword. While I can see some of the logic behind his thinking, I prefer to think a little hope goes a long way as long as we use it to recharge our batteries and keep plugging away.

I felt this same rejuvenation after the awards ceremony at the newly renovated Naval Training Center library on May 19th where we recognized the ten individuals or groups for their excellent work. I'll bet all those in attendance that evening felt the same way.

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