“Somebody should do something to protect historic buildings.” There are many passionate, hard-working individuals, municipalities and organizations working to preserve our built heritage. Much is being done in Lethbridge and across Alberta. However, as the reality of the Chinese National League Building shows us, sometimes it’s just not enough. What sort of systemic changes must be made to help protect historic buildings? What can be done to help owners protect built heritage on behalf of all Albertans? Be your community’s somebody. Learn what is being done and what you can do to help protect Alberta’s historic buildings for today and for the future.
Speakers: Belinda Crowson and Jean Johnstone
Belinda Crowson is the President of the Historical Society of Alberta, a volunteer organization founded in 1907 to preserve and share Alberta’s history. She also serves as the Lethbridge Historical Society representative on the City of Lethbridge Heart of Our City Revitalization Committee. In addition to her volunteer work, Belinda is the Museum Educator at the Galt Museum & Archives Jean Johnstone was the first City of Lethbridge Archivist and the first female City Clerk and is now retired. She is Past President of the Lethbridge Historical Society; Past Second Vice-President of the Historical Society of Alberta; Co-Chairman of the Lethbridge Historical Society Plaques & Monuments Committee and Chairman of the newly formed Heritage Advisory Committee for the City of Lethbridge. This committee has been set up to evaluate and make recommendations to City Council regarding the potential designation of Historical properties.
Jean is the recipient of the 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal presented to her by the Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Norman Kwong, the LHS “Alex Johnston Award of Merit”, and the Historical Society of Alberta’s “Annual Award”.