It happened again last week. A young man came into the museum with that look. That look that tells me he is hoping that I will know him, that his connection to the community can be validated. Fortunately, I remembered him as a child and called him by name. From that moment, the relief was evident. This kid knew that he belonged to this community. His history was here. No matter where he traveled, this was home. I know how it feels. I have personally experienced this. When I lived in other towns and states, I would come home for the 4th and walk down the street looking deeply into the faces of the people along the parade route, hoping that someone recognized me. I needed to know that I belong to the history of this place.
The question I have been asked and have been asking myself is, why does it matter? I found my answer when I attended the Colorado Preservation Incorporated Saving Places Conference in late January, as I have for years. In collaboration with History Colorado, this organization brings communities across the state together to talk about historic preservation, to learn from each other, and to help find funding and services to preserve endangered places. Although many of the keynotes at this conference were remarkable, there was one breakout session that validated my passion for historic preservation. Jay Holmstad from the University of Colorado presented his research in a presentation called The Psychology of Historic Preservation. This presenter guided us to review our bonds to the places we cherish. The question was asked, if you had to tell the story of your life by selecting three places, what would they say about you?
Science backs up the philosophy that humans respond physically and psychologically to places. Many studies were presented to support these findings. Architecture shapes emotion. Place attachment occurs when we have significant experiences in a place. Place identity can equate to self-perception, whether positive or negative. The loss of a place, through an event such as demolition, fire or other natural disaster, can result in a loss of rootedness and a sense of placelessness or even release from a place that might have had negative connotations.
In the context of the conference, the more significant question might be why we preserve historic places. Honestly, Meeker should be proud of the preservation it has in place and continue to do so. The historic preservation culture is based on the belief that the greenest building is the one already built. This has been supported by data. Beyond the economic and environmental factors, we also make decisions about preserving historic places because of our emotional connections.
The research presented measurable benefits to physical and mental health in places where preservation and restoration were prevalent. Historic buildings provide aesthetic design and craftsmanship, but even more, historic elements reduce stress and relaxation for people while providing identity and stability.
When you walk down the streets of our historic downtown, take a minute to think about the stories of those places. We are incredibly fortunate to have such deep historical roots. If you own a historic home or work in a historic building, ensure you are honoring that place’s history. Whose stories are told? What is the deeper connection? Are you doing what you can to honor the place and the significance it holds?
If you see a person with a look of longing for connection, and you recognize them, please acknowledge them. That sense of belonging is priceless. Take your kid to the museum. Our community is lucky enough to house one of the largest curio collections in the nation. Spend some time enjoying the historic district. To sum it all up, history does matter. Whether we acknowledge it or not, history defines us.
By TERESIA REED
Rio Blanco County Historical Society
