SALEM’S DOWNTOWN HISTORIC MARKER PROGRAM

Salem’s Downtown Historic Marker Program is supported by a Preserve America grant administered by the National Park Service. Preserve America is an initiative that encourages and supports historic preservation and heritage tourism projects that result in cultural, economic and educational benefits for the community.

Salem’s program involves developing a historic marker template and logo, encouraging historic building owners to apply for and display markers, updating the downtown historic walking tour brochure and creating a historic walking tour website.  The City is currently working with key stakeholders to market the historic walking tour to community members and out-of-town visitors.

In February 2009, the Salem Historic Landmark Commission approved a historic marker logo and template design.  The logo and template design approved by the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) will be placed on a 8”x 11” cast bronze historic marker. 

APPLYING FOR A HISTORIC MARKER

The application process is easy! All Historic Contributing buildings located in the Downtown Historic District are eligible for the placement of a historical marker on their building at no cost to the property owner. The cost of the historic marker and installation services is supported by matching funds provided by the Riverfront/Downtown Urban Renewal Area.

HISTORICAL MARKER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All Downtown Salem property owners in the historic district whose buildings are listed as “contributing” in the National Register of Historic Places are eligible to apply. A list of eligible buildings is provided in the application packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Salem Vision 2020 Community Forum
Salem Conference Center
March 31, 2009

The City of Salem is pleased to announce that Salem’s Downtown Historic Marker Program will be featured at the Salem Vision 2020 Community Forum on March 31, 2009 starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Salem Conference Center.  Salem Vision 2020 is the result of a yearlong community-wide planning process that helped prioritize actions for Salem’s City Center.

Historic Preservation Month Celebration
State Capitol Grounds
May 29, 2009

Salem’s Downtown Historic Marker Program participate in the Historic Preservation Month celebration on May 29, 2009 starting at 11:00 a.m.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for a historic marker for your building please complete the application form. The application packet includes the following:

• Application form
• A list of eligible historic buildings and short story for marker
• Marker template

Application Deadline is Monday, June 1, 2009

SUBMIT THE COMPLETED APPLICATION TO:

Community Development Department
555  Liberty Street SE, Room 320
Salem, OR 97301
Attn: Historic Marker Program

For more information about the Historic Marker Program:
Kim Moreland, City of Salem
(503) 588-6173 Ext. 7511 kmoreland@cityofsalem.net