Latest news with #Historic
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
North Carolina preservationists fight for Historic Preservation Fund
(WGHP) — Inside the Trump administration's fiscal year 2026 budget is the elimination of the Historic Preservation Fund with few exceptions. The fund has provided money to states and tribes since 1976 and served as the primary way historic preservation programs are funded. North Carolina receives about $1.3 million in federal support, which is 40 percent of the budget for the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. The funds for 2025 haven't been released. Now, the funds for 2026 may never come. Preservation North Carolina President and CEO Benjamin Briggs's love of historic structures began in the Triad thanks to his parents. He grew up looking at places in High Point like the John Hampton Adams Inn from the early 20th century with its grand staircases and elegant rooms. It's now a boutique hotel perfect for furniture market guests. Just down the road, Market Square, constructed in the 1900s as well, is on the registry of historic places because it was one of the first places to display furniture in a showroom, which is a trend that would fuel the furniture city. 'Historic preservation is as much about the future as it is the past,' Briggs said. Preservation North Carolina is a nonprofit dedicated to helping acquire endangered historic properties, saving them and also repurposing them. 'Some of my favorite adaptive reuse projects like the Revolution Mill in Greensboro and some of the amazing laboratories that are in downtown Winston-Salem with Wake Forest in historic buildings,' he said. Cuts to the Historic Preservation Fund could halt plans for future projects and take away opportunities for preservation efforts to rescue historic structures from demolition. For example, the John Coltrane house in High Point. It was recognized as a landmark in 2021, and it still needs more funding for restoration and then to ideally become a tourist destination. 'Why throw something away that's in perfectly reusable condition with some TLC?' Briggs said. The TLC isn't free, though, and organizations count on federal funding. The Trump administration released a statement saying most buildings listed on the historic registers are only of local significance, but Briggs disagrees. Preservation societies nationally are asking people to contact their legislators and ask for the Historic Preservation Fund to stay intact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beloved Country Singer, 49, Pays Tribute to Country Music Legend George Jones
Beloved Country Singer, 49, Pays Tribute to Country Music Legend George Jones originally appeared on Parade. Beloved country singer , 49, paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic George Jones on June 3, as a bronze statue of "The Possum" was unveiled at the historic Ryman Auditorium's Icon Walk. Johnson, known for his deep-rooted respect for country music's trailblazers, joined Jones' widow, Nancy Jones, and Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed for the emotional ceremony, further cementing Jones' legacy at the "Mother Church of Country Music." The life-sized statue, crafted by sculptor Ben Watts, captures the essence of Jones, who passed away in 2013. It now stands among other country music titans like , Bill Monroe, , and , gracing the entrance of the revered venue where Jones himself delivered countless unforgettable performances. For Johnson, the moment was personal. He spoke fondly of his relationship with the legendary vocalist, stating, "He was a dear friend who was more like a distant relative, who was always good for a warm hug and a bright smile." This bond was well-documented, with Jones featuring on Johnson's 2008 track, "Keeping Up With The Jonesin'." More recently, Nancy Jones played a part in Johnson's personal life, recommending the venue for his May 2025 wedding to Brittney Eakins. The Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark, holds a special place in country music history. It was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, and Jones, a Grand Ole Opry member since 1956, had a reverence for the institution. Jamey Johnson's presence at the unveiling is a testament to his championing of traditional country music and its pioneers. Often seen as an heir to the outlaw country movement, Johnson has covered songs by his heroes and spoken about their influence on his own critically acclaimed career. His upcoming "The Last Honky Tonk Tour" itself is a tribute to another late friend and musician, Wayne Mills. The statue unveiling not only commemorates George Jones' contributions to music—his voice often hailed as the greatest in country history—but also serves as a reminder of the d mutual respect that run through the Nashville music community. As fans and visitors walk past the Ryman, they will now be greeted by the likeness of a man whose music continues to inspire generations, a tribute made all the more poignant by the presence of artists like Jamey Johnson who carry the torch forward. The unveiling underscores that while "The Possum" may be gone, his music and his spirit remain an indelible part of country music's soul. Beloved Country Singer, 49, Pays Tribute to Country Music Legend George Jones first appeared on Parade on Jun 4, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
News.com.au
30-04-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Steven Pateman ruled out of riding in Grand Annual but can still win as a trainer
Champion jumps jockey Steven Pateman won't be out on the track but he is still set for a bittersweet watch in the $350,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool. Pateman was ruled out of riding on Thursday after he was taken to hospital following a fall from Nelson in a steeplechase on Wednesday. However, he will saddle the 11-year-old gelding Historic, who holds a special place in Australasian breeding as the last horse by the legendary sire Zabeel to pass through a sales ring. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The late New Zealand breeding great Sir Patrick Hogan himself led Historic through the sales ring after his operation Cambridge Stud prepared the then colt for sale. Historic fetched $NZ160,000 as a yearling but Pateman paid a fraction of that amount before he had raced. 'Historic has been a really special horse for us,' Pateman said. 'We bought him for $1500 on the recommendation of Tom Dabernig. 'He'd definitely be the last Zabeel to be racing.' Pateman has won three Grand Annuals as a jockey but Historic will be his first runner in the marathon event as a trainer. Historic has returned his purchase price more than 15 times over in his 41-start career but Pateman said the Grand Annual would be the veteran's last race. 'He's been a great little horse for us,' Pateman said. 'He's won six steeplechases and he's one for one around Warrnambool and we've always said we'd love to run him in a Grand Annual. 'It will be a historic win if he gets home. 'We gave him his first start as a three-year-old and he'll retire after Thursday, win, lose or draw.' The Grand Annual Steeplechase field has been reduced to 10 possible runners after the withdrawal of Leaderboard, who fell in Tuesday's Brierly Steeplechase, and Jekyll'n'hyde, who won on Wednesday. Trainer Eric Musgrove has also withdrawn Fort Charles, who also raced on Wednesday. Stawell trainer Andrew Bobbin will wait as long as possible to decide whether the Brierly Steeplechase winner Duke Of Bedford will tackle the Grand Annual. Duke Of Bedford is the $4 favourite in Grand Annual betting, which could change significantly on Tuesday morning, depending on scratchings. Kiwi jumper Berry The Cash and Heir To The Throne, a brother to Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance, share the second line of betting at $6. â– â– â– â– â– TV host makes time for Warrnambool in election week The Federal election has taken second place to the Warrnambool carnival for Sky News host Caleb Bond. Bond hosts two shows on the channel as well as compiling political columns for various News Corp publications, making election week an important time for the commentator. But jumps racing and Warrnambool are foremost in Bond's heart this week. Bond is a regular visitor to the Warrnambool May carnival and has a great chance for a win as an owner of Road Runner in the John Rule Champion Novice Hurdle (3200m). A friendship with prominent jumps owner Pearse Morgan has led to Bond racing several jumpers, including the Australian Hurdle winner Circle The Sun. 'Pearse Morgan is a great mate of mine,' Bond said. 'I was talking to Pearse about it and he was talking about the horse and I said, 'where the hell was the call for me' and he was nice enough to slice off a hair on his tail for me.' Bond's love of jumps racing started in his home state of South Australia before jumps racing ended. He said it was vital jumps racing remained in Victoria, especially at Warrnambool. 'We love going to Group 1s but you come here to Warrnambool and you meet real racing people,' Bond said. 'You can walk around and talk to anyone, it's just fabulous. 'That's why jumps racing is so important to Warrnambool.'
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paramount renovation and expansion project hits campaign milestone
Apr. 24—The Historic Paramount Theatre Renovation and Expansion Project capital campaign has achieved a major benchmark by hitting the 70% mark of its total goal. It was announced Thursday in a press release that the "It's Showtime!" fundraising campaign has now raised $850,000 of its $1.21 million goal putting it at the two-thirds mark with just about four months left. The Austin Area Foundation has stated that it hopes for a soft opening during the Austin ArtWorks Festival on Aug. 23-24. "My understanding is that we're on schedule," said Austin Area Arts Executive Director Thomas Robbins on Thursday while overlooking the theater. "It looks like a lot of work to go in four months, but they say the next steps are faster than the earlier steps." Money raised through the campaign will be in addition to the $3.67 million committed by The Hormel Foundation last November for the $4.3 million project. A secondary goal of the campaign is to create a maintenance fund for the facility's upkeep as well as paying off the remainder of the mortgage of the adjacent boardwalk property owned by Austin Area Arts. Opened in 1929, the project's work will upgrade the audience and performer experience through accessibility, aesthetic, acoustic, comfort and other production-orientated improvements. A ceremonial ground breaking was held in January of this year to start construction and the work so far has those involved eager for what comes next. "I'm even more excited," Robbins said about the work being done so far. "It's potential unfolding before my eyes. We're preserving the magic that is here." Excavation work has begun on the "new build" portion of the project, which will add 1,960 square feet to the rear of the current annex building, which when completed will include a loading dock, multi-purpose dressing room area, performer restrooms, and grand piano storage, all connecting back-of-house to the newly refurbished stage. Renovation of the current annex building has begun with new ticketing, concessions, and public restroom facilities framed in. A new opening in the west wall of the original Paramount lobby will open access to the annex and will add 1,675 square feet of remodeled front-of-house foyer area. Austin Area Arts Operations Director Kelsey Ritchie said that another aspect of this work will be to take out the door currently opening into the annex from the street and replace it with windows that face Fourth Street NW. A mosaic created by local artist Deb D'Souza will be fashioned over top of the concession and box office area. Meanwhile, inside the theater, all of the former seating has been removed and the stage has been demolished and rebuilt. The stage itself will be a "sprung" floor, which will be easier on the feet and legs of those performing on its surface. Cement work is in progress to relocate the sound booth and to rework flooring to meet ADA requirements. New carpet as well as all furniture, fixtures, and equipment orders have been placed to allow ample time for delivery. "It's going to be a first rate experience for everybody," Robbins said. Most recently, the Austin City Council agreed to fund $46,500 toward the total cost of $93,000 toward an adjustment to the sidewalk outside of the Paramount that further meets ADA requirements. A bumpout curb will be added with a pair of ramps for easier access. In the remaining months work will include the fully rebuilt stage floor, installation of new acoustical treatments, sound and lighting systems, new seat replacement, completion of expanded lobby area and new backstage build-out, front entrance accessibility improvements with a sidewalk/curb bump-out, and a general refresh of surroundings featuring a variety of cosmetic touch-ups. Capital campaign contributions can be made online at by visiting the Austin ArtWorks Center during business hours, or mailing a donation to Austin Area Arts, 300 N Main St, Austin, MN 55912. One-time or multi year pledges gratefully accepted. To donate shares of stock, donor-advised fund, qualified charitable IRA distributions, or other assets, contact Ritchie at 507-434-0934 or email kelsey@
Fox News
20-04-2025
- General
- Fox News
Historic Maryland church opens doors to visitors 320 years after closing down
Visitors have been able to step into a reconstructed 17th-century Catholic church in Maryland for the first time – an opportunity over 320 years in the making. Historic St. Mary's City, an archaeological organization, opened up its Brick Chapel on April 12. The building was originally constructed in 1667. St. Mary's City is a colonial town located in St. Mary's County, off the western shore of Chesapeake Bay. Fox News Digital spoke to Henry Miller, Ph.D., a senior research fellow at Historic St. Mary's City, about the opening, the result of multiple excavations since 1988. (See the video at the top of this article.) While a wooden chapel was first built on the site in 1645, the structure burned down when Maryland was attacked by English troops from the English Parliament. "But in the 1660s, things had settled down, and the Brick Chapel, the first major brick building in Maryland, began to be constructed," Miller said. "It was a very significant architectural achievement for the time and place." In the colonial era, it was generally forbidden by law for Catholics to have any churches, but Maryland offered a notable exception. "It was only because of Lord Baltimore's policy of liberty, of conscience and freedom of religion that [the church] could be erected," the expert said. "So [the church] is really an important statement about the beginnings of religious freedom in what is now the United States and beyond." The Brick Chapel was the center of Catholic worship in Maryland until 1704, when the colony's Protestant governor shuttered the building's doors, Miller said. The sheriff "locked the door, [took] the key with him, and never again allow[ed] that building to be used for worship." "The freedom of belief, the freedom of religion that Lord Baltimore had championed totally ended at that time period," the archaeologist said. "A few years later, the building was demolished, and it basically disappeared from view and memory for over 200 years." "That building could not have been constructed anywhere else in the English-speaking world at this time." The church was entirely forgotten about until 1938, when an architectural historian spotted peculiar remains of a cross-shaped brick building. Today, the Brick Chapel – rebuilt between 2004 and 2009 – has a recently finished interior that accurately captures what a 17th-century Catholic church would have looked like at the time. Miller recreated the building's interior through several means, such as researching similar churches and obtaining art that was commonly used in Jesuit churches, he said. Not many artifacts survive at the site, thanks to Jesuits who dismantled their church and reused the materials elsewhere. "The Jesuits were some of the first recyclers … They took everything above ground away and reused it," Miller said. "What we found were lots of fragments of plaster, of mortar and the five-foot-deep, three-foot-wide brick foundation." "We actually let visitors see some of that original brickwork," Miller added. "There was weird stone we found there in pieces, [and] we now know that they imported 14 tons of stone from Europe to pave the floor of this building." But the church still retains some original features. Miller also noted that the original tabernacle of the church survived, along with 17th-century lead coffins that visitors can view under a glass floor. "The graves are both all around and inside the chapel," Miller said. "There's maybe 60 or 70 graves in the chapel, but there's 300 to 400 outside." He added, "This was the largest 17th century cemetery in Maryland. So the grave distribution showed us also where the altar area, the formal area, began." Still, the process has been challenging – and Miller was only able to find one written description of the chapel, dating back to the late 1690s. "A Protestant governor, Francis Nicholson, was very anti-Catholic," the archaeologist said. "And he said in a report, 'The Catholics have several chapels in Maryland, including a good brick chapel at Saint Mary's.'" "We want you, as a visitor, to walk in and have a sense of what a 17th-century person would have seen." Miller joked, "Oh, how we wish he was a verbose kind of guy who would have given us more information. But for him to even say it was 'good' was probably a significant clue there." He added, "So it is based on lots of different information. It is as accurate as we can come up with." Still, the historian emphasized that no formal worship will take place in the new building - instead, it will exist as an exhibit on the history of religious freedom in Maryland. "The seeds of faith planted there … grew the church and the first diocese that was established in Maryland in the year 1790," Miller said. "So it truly is the founding place of the modern Catholic Church in the United States." "But it's also a symbol, and this is what's important," he said. "That building could not have been constructed anywhere else in the English-speaking world at this time." Visitors may be surprised by the elegance of the church's interior. Instead of a classic colonial New England church filled with wooden pews, the Brick Chapel has no pews at all. Miller noted that, in colonial-era Catholic churches, worshippers either stood or knelt. "The pews are more of a Protestant innovation," Miller added. "If you had a two-hour-long sermon, seating would be very helpful there. Catholic sermons were probably considerably shorter." Miller said that decades of work have created a "unique exhibit." "We also want you, as a visitor, to walk in and have a sense of what a 17th-century person would have seen," the archaeologist said. "We've hidden the exhibits in the arms of the building, where you don't see them until you get right up on top of them." "It's one that we have worked on for over 37 years, but I am delighted that it will finally be completed and we can start more effectively telling this significant American story."
