Frequently Asked Questions about the Wabash Valley Trust

1. What is the Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation and what is our mission?

Established in 1973, the Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a unified effort to educate and encourage interest in the heritage and architecture in the Wabash Valley area. We subscribe to preservation in the broadest sense, encompassing quallity of life issues that effect the environment, urban districts, neighborhoods, and rural areas.

Just as the built environment did not evolve overnight, preservation planning takes long range vision. Not only is the Trust involved in current community issues, we work hard to influence the long range future of preservation in the Wabash Valley area. We have programs to educate residents on the importance of preservation. We are building networks here in our community along with state and national leaders as we strive to preserve our quality of life.

2. What kind of leaf is in the logo?

It is a sycamore leaf.  Sycamore trees are the largest among Indiana's native trees, sometimes growing to heights of over 100 feet.  The sycamore is a symbol of strength and age and is a member of the planet's oldest clan of trees (Platanaceae).  

3. What programs does the Trust facilitate?

Johanna Downie Award
Silk Purse Award
Plaque Program
Endangered Structures List
Preservation Education
Arnold Preservation Library
Garden and Home Tours
Neighborhood Advocacy
Graves House Preservation Center

4. How long do Board members' terms last?

Two or three years.

Other Questions You May Have

1. What is an historic building?

Not every old building or neighborhood is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. To qualify, the resource must be more than 50 years old and have a high degree of authenticity or integrity. Certain properties have more stringent requirements, such as moved structures, cemeteries, reconstructed buildings, memorials, or buildings less than 50 years old. Factors that are evaluated include location, setting, design, material, workmanship, feeling, and associations.

2. What is the National Register?

The National Register is the standing listing of the nation's inventory of recognized historic structures. The National Register identifies historically significant buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts according to the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. National Register Districts arose because the importance of preserving the historical context of an historic property was realized.

3. What is a Local Historic District?

A local historic district is locally designated as historically significant and offers more protection to historic properties than does the National Register District designation, through local historic ordinances and the creating of Historic Preservation Commissions or Design Review Boards. Local historic districts and Historic Preservation Commissions are the most effective tools in the protection of a communities cultural resources.

4. What are Design Guidelines?

Design guidelines are created by a local entity, that outline, according to the local interpretation of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, the types and ways a building can be appropriately and sensitively preserved and/or rehabilitated. Design guidelines serve as the rule for the Historic Preservation Commission when they are determining Certificates of Appropriateness, which must be obtained before obtaining either a building permit or a demolition permit.

5. What is the Historic Preservation Commission?

An historic preservation commission is created by a local ordinance passed under the Indiana State Law (I.C. 36-7-11) which enables local governments to create preservation commissions. A commission is a group of three to nine residents of the community who can designate local landmarks and local historic districs, review exterior restoration and alteration plans in the districts, and can evaluate demolition requests. Currently the Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission has juridiction over the Downtown, Upper Main, and Ninth Street Hill local historic districts.

6. What are the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Rehabilitating of Historic Properties?

The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Rehabilitating of Historic Properties are standards and guidelines for both the rehabilitation of historic buildings and new designs in historic districts. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation present ten clean and brief standards that are commonly accepted. Supplemental to these standards, an extensive set of guidelines provides more specific guidance on exterior surfaces, roofs, windows, interiors--even sites and districts. These standards and guidelines can be adopted by historic district commissions to assist in the proccess of determining the approval of proposed changes. These standards and guidelines are nationally accepted and represent the best thinking on appropriate methods of intervention.