FC Buzz: Rallying for preservation

BY DAVID GREEN

Those committed to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Fairfield County, working to save and often rehabilitate and re-purpose historic structures whose valuable stories encapsulate the very essence of what makes Fairfield County unique, often find themselves struggling alone.

David Green

One reason for the creation of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County was to provide a gravitational “center” to pull together arts and cultural professionals scattered across the 11 towns of coastal Fairfield County. Preservationists, facing the demolition or insensitive renovation of historic structures, have often felt isolated and relatively powerless in reaching out to others at critical junctures, when mutual support and advice are badly needed.

In response to a call to help organize a way for preservationists to reach out to one another more effectively, the Cultural Alliance (as it has with other groups and sectors over the years) has brought its own organizational resources to bear to assist in creating a communications network that can provide both a forum and a support structure. The network was launched in November 2014 at a meeting hosted by the Carriage Barn Arts Center of New Canaan, with guest speaker Kip Bergstrom, deputy commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Bergstrom rallied the assembled preservationists, demonstrating how they could be part of a larger, vigorous cultural and economic development movement in the County.

By design not a formal organization with a board, bylaws or staff, the network benefits greatly from the steady, ongoing support of the Cultural Alliance, and hopes to have most of its costs covered by modest membership fees ($35 for individuals; $50 for most organizations) paid to the Cultural Alliance.

Through group meetings held three times a year and an ongoing Listserv, the network will enable members to meet, exchange ideas, seek and offer help, share information, discuss challenges and successes, and create opportunities for joint advocacy. The network is currently led by a steering committee consisting of: Tod Bryant (Norwalk Preservation Trust); Laurie Heiss (Merritt Parkway Conservancy); Lesley Korzennik (Rowayton Historical Society); Bill Kraus (C.W. Kraus Preservation & Development and Cultural Alliance board member); and Faline Schneiderman (Preserve New Fairfield). Interested in joining the network? Contact david@culturalalliancefc.org.

David Green is director of programs for the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.