HISTORIC RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD MISSION STATEMENT

1. Maintain a role in governmental affairs, coordination and public information regarding matters relating to historic preservation in Lake Oswego. In particular:

• Advise the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Commission, and other boards and commissions on matters of historic significance and interest.

• Participate with other governmental agencies and private organizations such as the State Historic Preservation Office, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Oregon History Center, and Oswego Heritage Council to preserve and promote the significance of Lake Oswego's historic resources.

• Serve as an information resource for persons interested in Lake Oswego history and for owners of historic property.

• Maintain an up-to-date archive of Lake Oswego's designated historic resources.

• Update the City of Lake Oswego's regulations and standards on historic preservation to be consistent with state law and to reflect the community's goals and interests.

2. Promote and interpret Lake Oswego's history on public lands. In particular:

• Incorporate interpretative historic information and design elements into public works projects.  Past projects that could have been, and still can be, candidates are the new Oswego Canal Bridge, "A" Avenue reconstruction, Boones Ferry Road widening and Old River Road Pathway.

• Incorporate interpretive historic information and design elements into public parks and open spaces for historic education and interpretation. Potential examples are Millennium Plaza Park, George Rogers Park, and Waluga Park. In this regard, Luscher Farm has the potential to be a regionally significant historic resource.

3. Increase local and regional awareness of Lake Oswego's history and its contribution to the  community's quality of life. In particular:

• Sponsor events, such as walking tours and tours of historic sites, which celebrate Lake Oswego's cultural history.

• Lake presentations in Lake Oswego's schools, and to civic groups.

• Contribute to local and regional media such as City newsletters, local print media, and neighborhood newsletters.

4. Support preservation of the character and design quality of Lake Oswego's historic neighborhoods through public and private voluntary action. Public action may include the recognition of historic landmarks that have been voluntarily placed on the City's Land Mark Designation List by placing a commemorative plaque or other form of appreciation on the property.

5. Promote Lake Oswego's unique place in Oregon's history by developing a program to publicly highlight its history as the state's iron manufacturing center. In particular:

• Create an iron manufacturing interpretative center at George Rogers Park, centered around the historic furnace chimney.

• Emphasize the historic iron ore mining and manufacturing sites including George Rogers Park, Old Town and mining sites on Iron Mountain Boulevard as visitor and tourist destinations.

• Seek funding through private foundations and governmental grants.