Awards are presented in two categories: Public Education and Awareness, and Preservation Merit. Henderson was one of three recipients in the state to be honored for Public Education and Awareness projects. The award is for increasing interest in historic preservation. Eligible activities include publications, educational programs and special events that have increased public understanding and awareness of historic preservation at the local, regional or state level.
Henderson said her hopes are that this recognition will “go beyond a personal achievement and not only encourage people to continue and expand the programs, but bring public attention to Oxford as a caring community that respects and preserves its rich culture and historic architecture.”
Shortly after moving to Oxford in 2001, Henderson volunteered to serve on the HAPC. Henderson worked to change the community’s perception of historic preservation through a variety of initiatives, including developing a historic marker program, re-locating a historic building, initiating guided walking tours of historic buildings, creating a historic preservation brochure, and involving the community in national recognition.
As soon as she began her first term on the preservation commission in 2004, Henderson suggested creation of a historic marker program to recognize outstanding efforts by owners of historic properties who maintained or rehabilitated their buildings. The two-tiered program was approved by city council and the first presentation ceremony was held in 2009. The marker program is now administered by city staff.
When in 2008, a local business owner was given permission by the HAPC to replace a historic structure with a new building, it was with the stipulation that the business owner pay the cost to relocate the building rather than demolish it. As vice chair of the commission, Henderson established a committee to find a suitable site for the 1880 Oxford Township House and then supervised the move herself, which became something of a community event.
In 2009, Henderson proposed guided walking tours during Historic Preservation Month in May. She persuaded the commission to sponsor the tours, and convened a committee that included representatives from the visitors bureau, Smith History Library and McGuffey Museum to plan and lead the tours. Henderson coordinated publicity for the events that attracted at least 30 people each Saturday in May.
Also beginning in 2009, Henderson began advocating for Oxford to participate in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s efforts to highlight significant sites across the U.S. through its “This Place Matters” program. Each year Henderson selected a site, encouraged participation and sent the photo to the National Trust for posting on their website. She also had the Mayor of Oxford issue a proclamation recognizing historic preservation month in conjunction with similar events throughout Ohio and across the nation.
A native of New York, Henderson earned degrees in art and historic preservation. Prior to coming to Ohio, she worked in several museums and served on a city planning commission. Henderson’s earlier career involved dealing in Asian art and antiques, decorative arts and jewelry. She also worked in interior design. This prolific and varied background, through which Henderson built skills in business management, marketing, fundraising, and working with volunteers and the public; were all brought to bear in working with the citizens of Oxford to help open eyes and minds to the beauty, value, and economic potential of Oxford’s architectural heritage.
Henderson served on Oxford’s HAPC from 2004-14 and was Chair of Commission in 2014. Before her retirement, she was Registrar and Collections Manager for the Miami University Art Museum.
Celebrating 30 years of recognizing special accomplishments in historic preservation, the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office Awards have been presented annually since 1983 on the basis of nominations submitted throughout the state.
The Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office is Ohio’s official historic preservation agency. It identifies historic places in Ohio; nominates properties to the National Register of Historic Places; reviews federally-assisted projects for effects on historic, architectural, and archaeological resources in Ohio; qualifies communities for the Certified Local Governments program and administers a program of matching grants to them; consults on the conservation of older buildings and sites; and offers educational programs and publications.
Emily Breach, Sam Perry and Valerie Elliott contributed to this report.
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