Cape Girardeau's historic preservation recognized

The Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation's Legacy Awards banquet was held Thursday at Ray's Plaza Banquet Center. The purpose of the event was to pay tribute to those who represent excellence in historic preservation. Among the honorees were Southeast Missouri State University; retired Southeast emeriti faculty members, Frank Nickell and Mary and Bert Kellerman; The Glenn House Museum; Old Town Cape; Dr. Steven Hoffman and the Southeast Missourian.

The banquet was just one event; it was held in conjunction with the Missouri Preservation Conference on October 21-23. Included in this conference were hundreds of educational sessions, historical tours, networking opportunities and more. What a great opportunity -- right here in our own backyard. As Steven Hoffman, professor of history and coordinator of the Historic Preservation Program at Southeast, said, "Normally, we would have to travel to get this kind of education and access." Instead, he added, "we have access to sessions and speakers about historic preservation right here in our community."

We are proud of our community and proud of those chosen to be honored.

As its website indicates, The Glenn House is "a historic treasure; a place that allows visitors an opportunity to visit a world inhabited by earlier generations whose way of life were different from our own." Its restoration to original architecture and authentic furniture demonstrate its history, as does its Victorian decor. The Historical Association operates The Glenn House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of its function is to provide tours so community members and tourists may take in the history contained in its halls and on its walls. It was clearly a good choice to be honored at the banquet.

Old Town Cape was also a fitting selection. Its mission is to "preserve, promote, revitalize, and enrich the historic, cultural, and economic landscapes of downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri," according to its website. Its very name indicates a commitment to preserving history. Old Town Cape has a strategic plan that looks ahead several years in its efforts to implement Downtown improvements and highlight historic sites.

As the Southeast Missourian recently reported, Southeast Missouri State University's renovations are worthy of honor, as are its own Nickel, Hoffman and the Kellermans, whose "leadership in fostering a preservation ethic in Southeast Missouri" has enriched our community.

Marla Mills has been both a spark plug and steady leader for Old Town Cape's preservation efforts.

We, too, are humbled to have been included in the list of honorees. The Southeast Missourian was recognized for our building here at 301 Broadway. We are proud, also, to preserve history through archiving our publications, and writing about our community's past. Every day, there are bits of history shared on our records page; our staff, including librarian Sharon Sanders and blogger James Baughn, frequently write historical pieces; and we frequently publish old photographs online and in print. We recognize the importance and interest in our history; and we thank everyone in our community who appreciate it also.