Editor's note: The following was taken from a press release dated February 10, 2006, that appeared on the Preserve America website. See http://www.preserveamerica.gov/news-0210.html for the complete story.
Georgetown is one of five new Colorado Preserve America communities designated
by Mrs. Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States and Honorary Chair
of Preserve America. Georgetown, Cripple Creek, Glenwood Springs, Lake
City, and Park County were so honored recently at the annual conference
of Colorado Preservation, Inc.
The Honorable Mark Rey, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture, presented the certificates to local officials on behalf of Mrs. Bush. Georgetown was officially designated in August 2005 and had already received its certificate, but Georgetown's Police Judge Bob Smith was on hand to celebrate the town's status with the rest of the new class of Colorado honorees.
Under Secretary Rey said, "There are significant economic, educational, and cultural benefits that historic preservation, through efforts such as heritage tourism, brings to a community. Sustainable preservation is not a cost for maintaining the past; [rather,] it is an investment in building the future. These communities are leaders in this trend and have created a powerful positive example for others."
The Preserve America initiative is a White House effort to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of America's priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past; strengthened regional identities and local pride; increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets; and support for the economic vitality of communities.
Designees receive national recognition for their efforts. Benefits include use of the Preserve America logo, listing on a government web-based directory to showcase preservation and heritage-tourism efforts, eligibility for special Preserve America grants, and special funding opportunities offered by various government agency programs.
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Federal Recognition: Special Projects Coordinator Cynthia Neely, HGI Executive Director Dana Abrahamson, and Georgetown Police Judge Robert Smith accepted the Preserve America certificate from Ann Pritzlaff, of Colorado Preservation, Inc. The designation recognizes exceptional efforts by communities to use cultural and natural resources in the promotion of tourism, job growth, and education. Photo by B. Hug/Colorado Preservation Inc.