SCHPC Holds Clearmont Meeting

Clearmont Jail, on the National Registry of Historic Places

The Sheridan County Historic Preservation Commission (SCHPC) held it’s August meeting on Wednesday in Clearmont as a way to introduce their mission to the Clearmont area.

Attendees at the August 11^th meeting were the SCHPC board, Kristin Campbell, Chairman; Carrie Edinger – Vice Chairman and also a member of the Sheridan County Land Trust; Katie Curtiss, Secretary; Lonnie Wright – Sheridan County Commissioner liaison for the historic preservation commission Joining the meeting via video were: Christine Varah, Treasurer; Sara Berwald of Cushing Terrell; Wade Sanner, Sheridan City Planner.

Guests were Bruce Yates Dayton resident and President of Clearmont Historic Group and Eric Wilhelm from Ucross, Wyo. The group discussed concerns about the fate of the old train engine in the Sheridan Railroad Historic District, and Campbell wondered if there was an update on the engine, and several ideas were discussed, mostly talk was about moving the engine to another site.

Vice-Chair Edinger, who is also the Sheridan Community Land Trust Historical Program Manager & Events Coordinator said that the SCHPC is developing a county-wide historic preservation plan. They are requesting community members help by filling out a preservation plan survey. Those interested can contact the SCHPC website.

The SCHPC works with the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, SHPO, and it is one of over 1,000 Certified Local Governments nationwide working to enhance local preservation efforts. The Commission also reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.

The SCHPC Goals are to: promote public awareness of historic preservation within the county; develop and encourage partnerships to improve communication with other groups that are influential in promoting historic preservation; and, create new or update current plans so that the most effective preservation tools are available.

If a person feels that their project, be it a historic house or other historically significant place, Edinger explains what they have to do to have the site listed on National Registry of Historic Places.

If the property meets the requirements, the owner receives a plaque and recognition that it is a historic site. Even if it is on the registry it is not completely protected. Should the property sell, another owner can change the property if they want.

If on the national registry and federal grant money is obtained to do work on the property, the owners have to consider impact on property as a historic resource.

Berwald, via video added, “Being on the historic register is nothing but good news. It will never supersedes the property owners rights.”

Chairman Campbell felt that the historic preservation was not only brick and mortar buildings.

The SCHPC is holding meetings throughout the county to acquaint residents with what they are doing, and they encourage residents to attend and fill out the survey.

For information on upcoming meetings contact the SCHPC.