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Elisabeth Walton Potter of Salem is the recipient of the University of Oregon’s 2011 George McMath Award. Potter’s longtime role as a public historian specializing in architectural history and historic preservation has earned her high praise and recognition. The awards ceremony will take place Friday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UO in Portland White Stag Block at 70 NW Couch Street. The University of Oregon’s Historic Preservation Program and the Venerable Group, Inc. present the McMath Awards annually to recognize an outstanding individual whose contributions in Oregon have raised awareness and advocacy for historic preservation. Graduate student in historic preservation, Carl Williams, will speak about his research at the luncheon. His topic is “Historic Structure Report: Lew Williams/Joe Romania Showroom, Eugene, Oregon.” |
In 1998, Potter officially retired as coordinator of National Register for the State Historic Preservation Office in the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The beginning of her career in the State Parks organization coincided with passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. After thirty years, including two years of fieldwork in Washington State, she had written, edited, or processed for review approximately 1,500 nominating documents for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Her interest in historic cemeteries led to preparation of National Register Bulletin 41, “Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Cemeteries and Burial Places,” in cooperation with National Park Service coauthor Beth Boland.
“Elizabeth Walton Potter has been an inspiration to me over the past eight years of my tenure at the University of Oregon,” says Kingston Heath, director of UO’s Historic Preservation Program. “Her depth of knowledge regarding preservation policy, university campus architecture, and Oregon history has shown through in our various meetings.”
Potter graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in art history having studied architectural history under Marion Dean Ross. She received her master’s in art and architectural history from Pennsylvania State University, followed by another master’s degree from the University of Delaware in Early American Culture. Potter is a veteran member of the Marion Dean Ross/Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, which she now serves as archivist and adviser.
“I have known Elisabeth as a tireless preservation advocate and supporter of student interests. I consider her a valued colleague of the highest rank,” says Heath.
Tickets to the award luncheon are $50 with the proceeds supporting financial aid for historic preservation students. The reservation deadline is April 26. For more information, please contact Twyla Tritt at 541-346-3697. Parking will be available at the Smart Park at NW Naito Parkway and NW Davis Street. Tickets may be ordered online at hp.uoregon.edu/mcmath.
The McMath Award honors the late George McMath, the “Father of Preservation” in Portland. An architect and preservationist, his life-long commitment to restoring and preserving Portland’s architectural history cemented his reputation as one of the most significant figures in safeguarding Oregon’s rich architectural heritage.
The recipient of the McMath Award is selected by a jury panel based on nominations from other professionals and Oregon citizens. Professor Heath, the 2009 McMath winner, James Hamrick, and Portland architect, Paul Falsetto, comprised this year’s jury that selected Potter.
source: UO press release
