What is a historic context statement?
In order to understand the historic significance of a given area, it is necessary to examine the area within the appropriate historic context(s). A historic context statement is a written document that provides the framework for evaluating a property for historic significance and integrity. The purpose of a historic context statement is to place built resources, cultural landscapes, and sites of important events in the appropriate historic, social, and architectural context so that the relationship between an area’s physical environment and its broader history can be established. It is not intended to be a comprehensive history. Instead, its purpose is to highlight trends and patterns critical to the understanding of an area’s built environment. It is meant to serve as a guide to enable citizens, planners, and decision-makers to evaluate the relative significance and integrity of potential historic resources and to provide a framework for the development of a comprehensive preservation program.
Can properties that are less than 50 years old be considered “historic”?
The National Register and California Register criteria differ somewhat in how they address properties of the “recent past.” A property that is less than 50 years old may not be considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places unless it is of “exceptional importance.” Such a place may be considered eligible for the California Register if it can be demonstrated that sufficient time has passed to understand and gain a scholarly perspective on its historic significance.
How can I alert the project team to important people, places, or stories in Alhambra’s history?
Please fill out the Share Your Alhambra form or contact historicalhambra@cityofalhambra.org if you would like to share information that you feel may warrant inclusion in the historic context statement.
How should I decide what to identify?
In considering which people, places, or stories to identify, think about the following questions:
What are the neighborhoods, commercial areas, and landscapes that have distinctive architectural or cultural characteristics, or reflect important aspects of social history or planning and development? What qualities of these places make them important or unique?
What sites or buildings have traditionally served as gathering places or focal points in your community?
Which buildings and districts may have been associated with important architects, builders, designers, developers, or engineers whose work helped define the character of Alhambra?
What people or places shaped social movements or the cultural evolution of your community?
Who are the important people in Alhambra’s history? Where did they live and work?
I have historic memorabilia. How can I help?
Please contact historicalhambra@cityofalhambra.org or message us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you would like to share photographs or other materials that you feel may contribute important information to the historic context statement.
Banner photo: Western Air Express dedication, April 17, 1930.
Source: Huntington Library