Utah Heritage Foundation

(St. George, UT --- November 5, 2009)      Southern and Central Utah have a new preservation advocate whose major responsibility is to provide technical assistance to property owners and communities in historic preservation.  Susan Crook has joined Utah Heritage Foundation (UHF) as the first Field Representative, according to UHF Executive Director Kirk Huffaker.

Through the program, Crook will provide assistance in determining the economic value of historic buildings, identify potential projects, conduct assessments of needs across the region, and promote programs that are currently in place. Huffaker said there are excellent examples throughout Utah where historic buildings have been saved and are now serving as economic and tourism stimulators.

He points to the Grafton Heritage Partnership Project where 20 partners solved zoning issues and raised funds to restore the adobe church/school and Russell House, along with protecting hundreds of acres along the Virgin River. Today this is the focal point of the Butch Cassidy 10K Race.  Huffaker also mentions the Shafer House in Moab where the historic home was relocated and became part of the city's Youth Garden project.  In Salina, Utah Heritage Foundation became a catalyst for local activists saving the Presbyterian Church (below). "Susan will be in a position to provide additional assistance throughout southern and central Utah to help local constituencies build leadership on preservation issues," he said.

Crook is a St. George resident, planner, historic landscape architect, and cultural historian with diverse experience in public and private sectors.  She also has experience in facilitating projects with all types and sizes of groups.  Huffaker said the new program brings more historic preservation services to the area, a region that is rich with history and fabulous architecture from every era.

According to Huffaker, the new position is funded by a challenge grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Partners in the Field program. To date, the grant has been matched by the American Express Charitable Fund, Ms. Sue Ball, and XMission. "We hope to find additional community support to extend our outreach and impact, and any individual or organization which would like to participate is encouraged to contact me," Huffaker said.

To contact Susan, call (435) 773.5336 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

To contact Kirk Huffaker, call (801) 533.0858 x 105 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .