The Oregon Heritage Commission has chosen Albany as the first city designated as an “Oregon Heritage All-Star Community.” Albany applied for the designation in September 2012, and received the designation formally at the November 7, 2012, Albany City Council meeting. The All-Star program recognizes strong efforts by communities to broadly preserve and develop heritage resources. An All-Star designation requires that communities meet at least 15 of 20 criteria related to local heritage, including heritage tourism efforts, historic preservation programs, photo and document archives, museums, and historic cemeteries. “Albany fit the bill right out of the gate,” said Kyle Jansson, coordinator for the Oregon Heritage Commission. “They have the Albany Regional Museum, the Monteith House, a great preservation program with multiple historic districts, a strong Main Street effort with the Albany Downtown Association, and the community has made a commitment to heritage. They are working very collaboratively.” Albany’s heritage partners have been working together for over 30 years to develop unique opportunities to share this heritage and create a welcoming sense of place. Visitors and residents experience Albany’s heritage up close through tours and collections. “We are thrilled to be the first to get this designation,” said Anne Catlin, Albany city planner. “We still plan to work toward achieving all 20 criteria.” To learn more about the designation, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact: Anne Catlin, Planner III, 541-917-7560.
