The Politics of Historic Districts: A Primer for Grassroots Preservation

This how-to guide gives citizens who are struggling to designate a local historic district the political wherewithal to gain the support of fellow residents and city hall. A former professor of political science, the author pushes preservationists to disregard the long-established conflicts between preservation and political action and points the way to a more comprehensive understanding of the politics that fashions local historic districts.

”Think globally, act locally,” can have no more practical application than historical preservation. While virtually everyone favors preserving the best of the past for future generations in the abstract, putting concrete plans into action engenders some of the most basic political instincts and conflicts. While this well-written and lively book can effectively be used as a ”how to” manual for historic preservationists developed by someone who has been there in the trenches, it also provides a myriad of insights on the general topic of effective political activism. If nothing else, the book is worth it for the pithy quotes that begin its succinct 34 chapters. Its author brings a political scientist’s perspective and a participant’s passion to a policy realm where today’s decisions clearly preclude future reversal. — Stephen Frantzich, U.S. Naval Academy

The Politics of Historic Districts would be a useful volume for any historic preservation commission”s library.

One of preservations biggest threats is relying on the reactive approach. Bill details why this is not good preservation and then moves on to provide the tools to become a true preservationist who is passionate all the time, not just when the threat becomes public knowledge and front page news. . . . In those democratic systems that American cherish, there can be very little long term preservation without politics. This book could just as easily be called “When reality meets preservation!” — Nita Parry, former Chair, City of Richmond Commission of Architectural Review and City of Richmond Urban Design Commission.

Food for thought! What first appears to be an hors d”oeuvres tray of thirty-four quick-bite chapters turns out to be a deeply satisfying multi-course meal of substance and insight. Bill Schmickle has jumped out of the fire of his own historic districting experience to grab the handle of the political frying pan. Follow his practical and easy-to-read recipe and you too can blend the complex ingredients of political advocacy into a home-cooked feast of preservation success. — Dan Becker, executive director, Raleigh Historic Districts Commission; former Chair, National Alliance of Preservation Commissions

It”s not enough to be passionate about protecting historic resources―you have to be strategic. This book is a great ”how-to” guide for the novice or even the experienced community activist. Bill Schmickle really zeroes in on what you can anticipate and how you can succeed. It is a ”must-read” for anyone who contemplates leading a citizen campaign for historic district status. — Karen Gordon, Historic Preservation Officer, City of Seattle

Living with politics and historic preservation has always been unpredictable and controversial. This book will make it easier to navigate the treacherous path of creating a local historic district. Bill Schmickle”s adventurous and often humorous approach to demystifying the citizen”s journey is a must read for the seasoned or novice preservationist. — Pratt Cassity, Director, Center for Community Design, Planning & Preservation at the University of Georgia