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NOTE: Presentation visuals from previous meetings may be viewed online at the "Meetings" page. SPECIAL NOTICE
Jackson Square: A piece of the Bigger Picture Kathryn Baldwin, Oak Ridge City Community Development Director, has more than 25 years
Her presentation to the Oak Ridge Heritage and Preservation Association will focus Enhancements to Jackson Square will benefit the community, but also commuters who are Ms. Baldwin’s presentation will be held in the Midtown Community Center at 102 Robertsville
____________________________ PREVIOUS SPEAKERS October 13, 2011
September 8, 2011 We had a special three part event scheduled. At 5:00 PM we participated in the dedication of the four new plaques commemorating the "Birth of Our City." The ceremony was held at the Oak Ridge City Municipal Building near the north entrance. Secondly, we attended a reception at 6:00 PM and the dedication of the conference center at East Tennessee Technology Park's Heritage Center. John Echenberg, of DOE ORO, dedicated the conference center at 6:30 PM. Finally, we held our normal monthly meeting at the conference center at 7:00 PM. Our speaker at the regular monthly meeting was Patrick McIntyre. McIntyre became the executive director of the Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) in 2007. He also serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer. As director for the Commission, he oversees a nearly $3 million dollar budget for the state agency responsible for the preservation and interpretation of Tennessee’s historical and cultural heritage. He last spoke to our organization nine years ago. McIntyre discussed the Tennessee Historical Commission and noted the numerous historic artifacts that are the responsibility of the commission to track. He also pointed out the few National Landmark sites and encouraged consideration of others. Our speaker on July 14, 2011, was Bill Wilcox, Oak Ridge City Historian and retired Technical Director of Y-12 and K-25.
PRESENTATION:
Over the past few years, the Guest House / Alexander Inn has received a lot of press, a lot of interest, and a lot of questions. On Thursday, July 14, City Historian Bill Wilcox presented a talk during the Oak Ridge Heritage & Preservation monthly meeting and discussed why Oak Ridge needs to save this historic site. Wilcox gave insights into the history of the Guest House / Alexander Inn, and cited reasons why it is among the most significant historical artifacts in Oak Ridge’s history. Attendees learned why the building is a keystone element in interpreting the Secret City’s Manhattan Project history as a part of the proposed Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which will be located in Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, NM, and Hanford, WA. According to Wilcox, “This is one of our historic City's now rare relics from our Manhattan Project founding days that could be turned from an eyesore to both an appealing tourism destination and a key part of a rejuvenated larger area of our City.” Attendees were encouraged to contribute their own ideas and to join in the effort to save this icon of Oak Ridge history. Come to the Midtown Community Center at 102 Robertsville Road at 7:00 PM on Thursday, 6/9/11. The public is invited and photographers are welcome!
Manhattan Project National Historic Park
UPDATE (7/18/11): The Manhattan Project National Historical Park Study was submitted to congress on 7/13/11 by Ken Salazar, Department of Interior. This is a major step. Next will be the legislation needed to form the park. Following that a "management study" will be performed by the National Park Service. Here is a link to the full press release: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Seeks-to-Commemorate-Manhattan-Project-through-New-National-Historical-Park.cfm
Previous update: The Department of Energy has signed a letter of concurrence with the National Park Service's study! This is good news and moves us one step closer to having a Manhattan Project National Historical Park with locations in Oak Ridge, TN, Los Alamos, NM, and Hanford, WA.
The National Park Service has completed a Special Resource Study on the feasibility of forming a Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The full study document (DRAFT Environmental Assessment) can be viewed here: Full National Park Service DRAFT Special Resource Study Document Other National Park Service Study related links: Oak Ridger article by Bill Wilcox; Oak Ridger article by Ray Smith; Atomic Heritage Foundation links; Manhattan Project Sites DRAFT Special Resource Study/Environmental Assessment web site Thank you! The Manhattan Project was the greatest scientific and industrial achievement of the 20th century. The history of that great achievement lives in the stories of the people who built and worked in the Y-12, K-25 and X-10 Clinton Engineer Works project sites in 1943 - 1945 culminating in the winning of the greatest war the world has ever known. The city of Oak Ridge has a unique history and the ORHPA is proud to be a key element in its preservation. Heritage Tourism in Oak Ridge is growing in stature and importance. We are glad to be a partner in the annual Secret City Festival and other heritage events. |
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