June 2024
May is National Historic Preservation Month
Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Dear Loyal Readers:
We hope this message finds you well. All of us at the historic Community House are excited to share something very important and close to our hearts with you - May was National Historic Preservation Month. Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1971.
“Historic preservation, or as it’s known in some corners of the world―heritage preservation or heritage conservation―is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historic significance.”
Historic preservation is important because understanding the past is important. Just ask the venerable historian David McCullough, who wrote, “A nation that forgets its past can function no better than an individual with amnesia.”
Preserved historic buildings, landmarks, and sites of any kind―do more than offer us a window onto the past―necessary as that window may be.
Historic preservation is “a testament to the history of a community―to what’s happened in a community.” From a preservation standpoint, protecting these assets―buildings and architecture―is of utmost importance. But “It’s not just about architecture: it’s about people. Old buildings, especially in a downtown area, can be the identity of a community.”
Institutions and non-profit organizations, such as The Community House in Birmingham, ethically and effectively are called to manage, document, care for, and use their historic structure and landscapes for the good of the community. For over a century we have recognized and embraced the role of ethics in our policies and procedures regarding the use and care of our historic structure and landscape. We allocate financial resources for the care and management of our historic structure and its landscape. Likewise, we collect, store, and manage the documentation and research related to our historic structure and surrounding property.
Every year, since 1923, The Community House strategically plans for the maintenance, use, and development of its historic building and landscape. Guided by our mission, our organization strives to provide public access to its historic structures and landscapes while ensuring safety and ongoing preservation.
Often forgotten, The Community House is both a nonprofit 501 c 3 charitable organization, providing programs and services to the community, while simultaneously a nonprofit private owner of an historic property — not only designated by age and the test of time, but also designated by the City of Birmingham and the City of Birmingham’s Historical Commission.
According to the City of Birmingham’s Designated Historical Districts: Sec. 127-25 - The Shain Park Historic District shall consist of all of the land within the boundaries of the Shain Park District as hereby established on the historic district maps. The Shain Park District shall consist of the following described historic resources in the city:
1. Municipal Building, 151 Martin Street
2. Shain Park
3. Baldwin Library, 300 Merrill Street
4. Birmingham Community House, 380 S. Bates Street
5. United States Post Office, 322 Martin Street
Make no mistake, we are called to “preserve, conserve and protect our building, objects, landscapes and other artifacts of historic significance.” This awesome duty and responsibility is indeed another facet of our nonprofit work and stewardship.
As our building ages, more and more of our nonprofit fundraising is being re-directed from operations and charitable support of civic and other worthy groups, towards the protection, restoration, and preservation of our original 101-year-old aging structure and grounds.
For over a century, our historic building has stood as more than just bricks and mortar. It has been a place where stories have unfolded, friendships have been formed, memories have been made, and our community has come together. It’s important to remind our community from time to time, that part of our non-profit charitable mission includes responsible “stewardship” of the 101-year-old Community House. As time passes, your beloved home away from home needs extra attention to ensure it stands strong for future generations.
Your past support has fueled our mission and allowed us to create positive change. Whether it was through generous donations or active participation in our programs and events, you are an important part of our story.
Today, I invite you to continue making a lasting impact by making a meaningful gift to our annual Restoration and Preservation Fund – to preserve, protect and conserve this historical jewel in our community, and to offset the ever-growing shortfall allocated to community partners (fast approaching twenty-five partners annually) Your important and impactful donation will directly contribute to:
• Historic Preservation: Safeguarding the architectural beauty and historical significance of our building through restoration and maintenance projects.
• Community Partners: Supporting our diverse range of nonprofit partners who also call The Community House home while enriching the lives of individuals and families in Birmingham and beyond.
Please reach deep. We urgently need your generosity and kindness. Together, we can maintain a legacy to look back on with pride! Please don’t let this rare and unique structure continue to crumble. Together we can do this…one brick at a time. In humble and profound gratitude.
William D. Seklar
Board Chair, President & CEO of The Community House Foundation; Officer, President & CEO
The Community House Association
NOTE: For your convenience, should you like to make a much-needed contribution to the Historical Community House’s Restoration and Preservation Fund – please feel free to mail your contribution to TCH Restoration and Preservation Fund, 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009 or click on the QR Code next to my signature. TCH is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit tax-exempt charitable organization.
EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER – SPRING & FALL REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
The Community House’s Early Childhood Center is excited to announce we have a rare, limited number of spots available for our preschool program. With the use of the nationally recognized High-Scope curriculum our amazing teachers are ready to set the foundation of your child’s academic success. Our curriculum uses a whole-child approach to learning, where the child is encouraged to create and execute their plan through hands on classroom exploration. Our program encourages independence, decision-making, and conflict resolution and students graduate from The Community House ECC ready for kindergarten with confidence and the ability to creatively problem solve.
With the end of the school year fast approaching coupled with the graduation of our Pre-K and Junior K+ students – we are now accepting Fall 2024 openings in our award-winning, High-Scope Early Childhood Center. Registration is now open. We are accepting applications for ages 0-4. Please contact our Senior Director/Head of School, Ms. Sarah Schuster, at sschuster@communityhouse.com or call (248) 594-6411 to learn more about our program, to arrange a tour, or to secure your child’s spot.
For reservations, sponsorships or more information about booking gathering and meeting space for 2024 and beyond - please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.
The historic Community House (TCH) is a solely independent nonprofit 501 c 3 charitable organization. TCH is not and never has been supported by tax dollars or millages.
