By Joni Houston-Jones, DCHPB Member

Did you know that Douglas County has a Historic Preservation Board? It was formed in 1992 to preserve and protect the historic resources of Douglas County.

Before 1992, there were some half dozen historical societies in Douglas County. While these societies were active in their local communities, a countywide organization did not exist that could affect historic preservation on a larger scale. An idea was born. Why not form a new organization with representatives from existing historical societies, and others who are interested in and knowledgeable about Douglas County's history? Basically, the idea was that through unification much more could be accomplished. Douglas County was beginning to buzz with development activity and people from various societies felt the need to preserve our heritage.

Concerned citizens began to organize and hold regular meetings. The County asked if some representatives from the Planning Department could attend these meetings and the foundation for a relationship was formed. A stronger idea began to develop. Why not create a volunteer arm of County Government and act as historical advisors to the three County commissioners? It became apparent that by being associated with the County much more could be accomplished. After more meetings and a few workshops with the commissioners, a definitive plan was developed and a set of by-laws prepared. The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners approved the plan and by-laws on May 27, 1992 forming the first Douglas County Historic Preservation Board (DCHPB).

The DCHPB is composed of 18 Board members appointed by the commissioners. These members are from all regions of the County with one regular and one alternate member representing each of the following areas: Castle Rock, Cherry Valley, Deckers, Franktown, Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Louviers, Parker and Sedalia. Additionally, the Board has several non-voting advisors and an administrator.

The DCHPB's mission is to identify, preserve and communicate the history of Douglas County. The Board strives to attain this goal by: 1) reviewing and maintaining a County historic resources inventory; 2) identifying threats to historic resources; 3) acting in a referral capacity to the DC Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners regarding proposed development of property identified to contain historic and/or prehistoric resources; 4) facilitating the collection, curation and preservation of donated artifacts; 5) participating in the education of County residents on historic matters; and 6) disseminating information between and among local historical societies.

During the past 16 years, many historic properties throughout the County have been identified, researched and photographed by the Board and made available to the public at the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock. The DCHPB designed a landmark resolution which was passed by the Board of County Commissioners in 1998. The program recognizes and documents historic sites in Douglas County and places them on the Douglas County Register of Historic Places. To date, 20 sites have been landmarked.

The DCHPB has been active in two archaeological digs in the County. The Board has also been successful in obtaining five State Historical Fund grants and has helped others obtain more than $500,000 in grant monies by supporting their grant requests for projects in Douglas County.

The DCHPB is also involved in other activities such as: video interviews with County "old-timers," publishing an annual historical calendar, selling a County landmark coverlet, having a presence at County events, featuring displays at public locations, providing letters of support for historical projects, assistance in restoration of historic structures, providing input for historical signage and conducting historical tours.

The Board's work is time-consuming with many meetings, hearings, field work, research, conferences and workshops, but considers these efforts worthwhile because they have made a difference. People are thinking history in this County where they weren't 16 years ago and some of the jewels of Douglas County history have been preserved for its citizens and for generations to come.

Future articles in this column will tell some of the interesting and fascinating history of Douglas County and explore several landmarked structures and sites. For further information about the DCHPB and the history of Douglas County, please visit www.douglas.co.us/community/historic.