President's Message January 24, 2010

The economy has presented a difficult obstacle for historic sites and non-profits in general.It takes a lot of money to maintain and preserve historic properties and our chapters have managed to perform these functions well in difficult times. Please keep our Endowment Trust in mind if you wish to make charitable donations in 2010 as this fund is our "lifeblood" to provide grants to chapters to maintain and repair the buildings located at APTA sites. Also in 2009, our Board approved the creation of a "revolving fund" to enable the APTA to make purchases of historic sites or land if necessary to preserve them from destruction or demolition or detrimental development. We would welcome any donations for this fund also. I anticipate that this role of the APTA will increase as time passes. We are also interested in creating historic easements or covenants to protect historic properties in the future.

I would also like to announce that the APTA has a new Executive Director effective January 18, 2010. Her name is Elliott McNiel and she has an extensive background in non-profit management and a strong interest in historic preservation. I am certain that she will introduce herself to our chapters and members as the opportunity arises. Feel free to call or e-mail her with questions or just to say hello to her.

Let us know if you wish to become active with the APTA or its chapters in 2010 as there is always a need for assistance.Thank you for your interest in and support of the APTA.

President's Message October 29, 2009

It has been a busy and productive year for the APTA despite the gloomy economy. The chapter reports I have received indicate that the chapters are active and are focused on our mission to preserve historic properties and educate the public about these properties and historic preservation. Please check out our marking category to see the great sites we have recognized and marked this year. I am simply amazed at the number and variety of historic structures in this state that exist despite the constant reporting of the destruction of historic sites.

Martha Sloan has graciously continued to serve as executive director until a successor is appointed. The Executive Committee is meeting this Saturday to review the duties and qualifications of the executive director and will report to the APTA board about their recommendations. We will publish the position description and will accept applications for the position starting November 2, 2009.

We were successful in selling the Hannum Rhea House in Somerville to very preservation oriented buyers who will renovate and preserve the property in the spirit of our historic preservation covenants and easement which were recorded earlier this year. The historic preservation and easement program is a new initiative of the APTA which will enable us to have input into the destiny of historic properties even though we do not own them or elect to sell the property.

I urge any members who have not been involved actively in the APTA to contact myself or the Executive Director as we have opportunities for you to participate actively in this fine organization in 2010, the 59th year of the APTA!

Finally, I would like to urge all viewers of this site and all APTA members to consider a November or December donation to the APTA Endowment Trust to help build up our trust. The trust is essential to the ability of the APTA to function and to preseve the historic properties owned and/or operated by the APTA. The APTA is a 501 (c)(3) organization and your donations are tax deductible. Please send all donations to the APTA at 110 Leake Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205.

Thank you for your interest in preservation in this state and in the APTA.

President's Message-August 25, 2009

As the summer winds down I wanted to remind our members that we are conducting our 2009 historic marking program. The calendar mentions upcoming events but I wanted to mention that photos of our marking events will be featured on this website. All APTA members and interested persons are welcome to these events. We have marked two sites this year, the Cullum Mansion circa 1838 in Carthage and the Isaac McBee house near Strawberry Plains circa 1850. Both sites are excellent examples of mid-19th century architecture. The owners of these properties are very gracious and were wonderful hosts to those in attendance. I also want to thank the Glenmore chapter for hosting the APTA Board meeting last Saturday. If you have not visited this site, please do so when you get a chance. In fact, I urge you to visit all our sites as I learn something new every time I visit a site. Finally, our Executive Director, Martha Sloan has advised that she wishes to step down from this position as soon as a replacement is found so that she can concentrate on other endeavors. She has done a great job and has been a tireless worker for the APTA. She desires to continue on as a member and volunteer, especially with involvement in the marking program. Your efforts to the APTA are very much appreciated, Martha. We look forward to your continued efforts on behalf of the APTA.

Anyone wishing to apply for this position can e-mail resumes to my attention at bnotestine@hotmail.com