The City of Tulsa was recently honored when First Lady Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated it as one of the nation’s Preserve America Communities.
“Preserve America Communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America’s heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment,” Mrs. Bush said. “This community designation program, combined with the Preserve America Grant Program, Preserve America Presidential Awards, and other federal support, provides strong incentives for continued preservation of our cultural and natural heritage resources. I commend you for your commitment to preserving an important part of our nation’s historic past for visitors, neighbors, and, most importantly, for children.”
Mayor Kathy Taylor will receive a certificate signed by Mrs. Bush announcing that Tulsa is now a Preserve America Community.
“Becoming a Preserve America Community confirms what Tulsans have known for many years – that our community has a rich collection of historic resources that are of interest to heritage tourists,” Mayor Taylor said. “We are especially excited about achieving this designation with the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference coming to Tulsa in October 2008.”
The Preserve America initiative is a White House effort to encourage and support community efforts to preserve and enjoy America’s priceless cultural and natural heritage. 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 our communities. For more information about the initiative and its programs, visit the Preserve America website.