Each year
since 1993, Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. has published a list of Oklahoma’s Most
Endangered Historic Places. Lists over
the past 16 years have shown incredible diversity in the types of sites and
preservation challenges they recognize, and this year’s list is no different. Some sites on this list have been seen before
and continue to need advocacy and attention.
Other sites are new to the list this year, presenting new challenges to
be met.
Each of
the places exists within the bigger picture of historic preservation. When the
lists from past years and from the current year are laid out, countless themes
and categories, along with losses and successes, present themselves.
In
recognition of this, we have attempted this year to highlight specific places
that represent larger preservation issues. While several places on this year’s
list are undeniably unique, many of them also could be found in dozens of
cities and towns across the state, or even the country. While they have unique identities, they are
part of a larger history, and also part of a larger challenge for the work of
preservationists.
Hopefully,
sites on this year’s list will gain the attention, momentum, and support needed
to move them to the “Saved!” category on coming lists. More than that, hopefully this year’s list
will motivate individuals and communities across the state to look at their own
resources, whether unique or ubiquitous, and consider what there is to gain
from preserving our historic sites.
Download the Oklahoma's Most Endangered Historic Places
Program HERE.
