Blog – Page 36 – Historic Hawaii Foundation

Join the National Trust’s “Places that Matter” Campaign

Put the Spotlight on Places that Matter If you're reading this post we know you care about historic places. Do you have favorites that whisper their stories into the wind and represent important moments in our nation's past or your own? What if you could share these places with the world and encourage others to recognize them and care too? Now you can. Thanks to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's online campaign to connect people with places that matter across the country (and globe!). Let's put Hawaii on the map! Our history is like no other and needs to be shared. Join with Historic Hawaii Foundation and encourage your colleagues, friends and family to help us post photos of Hawai‘i’s many historic sites & buildings to share why #thisplacematters. It’s easy and fun! Instructions are at this link: https://savingplaces.org/this-place-matters#.VilEPNOFOM8 You can download and print your own sign or ask the National Trust to send you a sign or flag. Then go out and hit the town and countryside taking photos of places that matter most to you. Share your photos online with the hashtag #ThisPlaceMatters. Post to our Twitter (@HistoricHawaii) and Facebook page. Share why this place matters to you.

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:15-10:00October 23rd, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: Hawaiian history, History, Preservation|

The History Relevance Campaign’s Statement on Why History Matters

The attached statement was created by the American Association for State and Local History. It's a good reminder of why what we do matters. For more information about the History Relevance Campaign & 10 ways to apply the value statement visit historyrelevance.com ____________________________ THE VALUE OF HISTORY SEVEN WAYS IT IS ESSENTIAL» TO OURSELVES IDENTITY » History nurtures personal identity in an intercultural world. History enables people to discover their own place in the stories of their families, communities, and nation. They learn the stories of the many individuals and groups that have come before them and shaped the world in which they live. There are stories of freedom and equality, injustice and struggle, loss and achievement, and courage and triumph. Through these varied stories, they create systems of personal values that guide their approach to life and relationships with others. CRITICAL SKILLS » History teaches critical 21st century skills and independent thinking. The practice of history teaches research, judgment of the accuracy and reliability of sources, validation of facts, awareness of multiple perspectives and biases, analysis of conflicting evidence, sequencing to discern causes, synthesis to present a coherent interpretation, clear and persuasive written and oral communication, and other skills that have been identified as critical to a successful and productive life in the 21st century TO OUR COMMUNITIES VITAL PLACES TO LIVE AND WORK » History lays the groundwork for strong, resilient communities. No place really becomes a community until it is wrapped in human memory: family stories, tribal traditions, civic commemorations. No place is a community until it has awareness of its history. Our connections and commitment to one another are strengthened when we share stories and experiences. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT » History is a [...]

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:15-10:00October 16th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: Hawaiian history, History, Preservation|

The Honolulu Fire Museum and Education Center Opens & Offers Free Tours

Preservation in the News: The new Honolulu Fire Museum houses a fascinating array of firefighter-related artifacts and some incredible history. Not to be missed! CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM The upper floor of the museum was once was the dormitory of the old Kakaako firehouse. September 11, 2015 Honolulu Star Advertiser by Star Advertiser staff The new Honolulu Fire Museum and Education Center will open to free tours starting Sept. 19. The one-hour guided tours, which will highlight the department's history, will continue every third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. "It's going to be a guided tour with a real firefighter who's going to give the history of our department and show exhibits," said firefighter Kendall Ching. The Honolulu Fire Museum and Education Center is at 620 South St. Tours are available by reservation only. More information is available online at www.honolulu.gov/hfd/communityrelations.html, or call 723-7167. CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM A melted helmet worn by Honolulu firefighter Ken Yamamoto during the Chevron gasoline fire on Aug. 15, 1980, is on display in the museum, above. Yamamoto was engulfed in flames but escaped with minor injuries. CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM A Honolulu Fire Department engine that responded to the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941.

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:15-10:00September 14th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: #Honolulu, Fire Museum, Kakaako, Museum|

The Buddes’ Historic Home: From Bank to Bedrooms

By Christine Thomas It rests on a typical dead-end street, painted a TK color. Occasionally James Budde mows the front lawn of his 1940s-era home, purchased in 1995, and Madeleine nurtures an orchid collection in the back. It’s an oasis away from Kailua’s now-bustling town center, where President Obama vacations and many tourists now flock. But its story began well before the Buddes moved in—back when soldiers from nearby Fort Hase (now Marine Corps Base Hawaii) stopped here to withdraw and deposit money. The Budde’s home was built not as a residence, but as a bank situated right along what was once the main road to the base. But come the 1960’s, when Kailua had developed into a robust residential town and the Marine Corps Base Hawaii built a new road into the base, the bank closed. The structure remained and became a personal residence, and the street grew quiet and forgotten. The Buddes wanted to find out how. Uncovering the Past The Buddes never changed the integrity of their home’s structure--they didn’t even consider it—even though their kitchen once housed a bank vault. “The house just speaks for itself,” says Madeleine. But in 2014, Madeleine realized the house could potentially qualify as a historic home. She turned to the Historic Hawaii Foundation for help determining their home’s eligibility for the State Register of Historic Places and potential property tax reduction status. “They had so much knowledge about everything,” says Madeleine. “The staff at Historic Hawaii Foundation came in and connected us with Dr. Don Hibbard, who was so easy to work with.” When Hibbard, an architectural historian and educator, looked at the house he confirmed its historic status and lead the process to present [...]

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:16-10:00September 10th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: Historic Register, Preservation|

Paniolo Tradition Honored at Hawaii 2015 Tourism Legacy Awards

Preservation in the News: Local ranches honored for their continued efforts to preserve and boost paniolo traditions and Hawaiian culture. Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority FROM: Hawaii Tourism Authority, August 27, 2015 HONOLULU - The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state's tourism agency, honored the unique tradition of paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys, at its Tourism Legacy Awards Luncheon today during the 2015 Hawaii Tourism Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center. "We are pleased to honor local ranches for their contributions to their community, and ongoing efforts to perpetuate and promote paniolo traditions and Hawaiian culture," said George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the HTA. "Congratulations to this year's honorees and mahalo to the ranches throughout the state for continuing to help shape our islands' unique culture and story." Parker Ranch (Hawaii Island) Located in Waimea on beautiful Hawaii Island, this 250,000-acre farm dates back to the early 1850s. John Parker purchased 640 acres in 1850 and another 1,000 acres the following year from Kamehameha III. The ranch has grown into an educational attraction where visitors can learn about its rich history, witness one of the oldest-running rodeos and enjoy the vast landscape. http://parkerranch.com Kualoa Ranch (Oahu) Established in 1850, Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch on the windward side of O'ahu, which strives to preserve, protect and promote Hawai'i's natural beauty and culture. Its lush backdrop can be seen in a number of blockbuster movies including Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor and 50 First Dates, and visitors can enjoy the Ranch through a variety of activities, including movie tours, ATV rides and hikes. www.kualoa.com Ulupalakua Ranch (Maui) This ranch reigns as Maui's second largest, extending across 18,000 acres of land. Originally founded [...]

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:16-10:00August 28th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: Paniolo, Parker Ranch|

Historic Places Matter: A Secret Treasure in Our Midst

by Joy Davidson, Preservation Architect and Historic Hawaii Foundation Board Member While walking the dogs a few evenings ago, I stumbled across a narrow lane sandwiched between the numbered streets of Kaimuki. Turning onto it, the slender road with no sidewalks lead me back in time, to a grouping of ten or so 1930s cottages gathered together like a secret committee. Each pristine pastel home had a tiny manicured lawn, welcoming porch, a double pitched roof and an individual personality that can only come from standing in one spot for eighty years. I slowed to a stroll as we traveled through this 1930s enclave which seemed to have its own sounds, smells and feeling of warmth and safety. I savored it as long as I could, smiling and nodding at each house, mentally congratulating their owners for their meticulous care. Then, before I was ready, the tiny road ended and I popped out onto the regular street – back into 2015 – with the noisy mopeds, paved yards and concrete big-box-houses. The take-away? It may not seem like a big deal, if one old house down the street gets demolished or another lot gets subdivided, but the tear-down trend is killing the once-charming Kaimuki neighborhoods. There are only a few intact, and these priceless neighborhoods matter.

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:16-10:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: #Historic, Historic Neighborhood, Kaimuki, Preservation|

Rare Gems Can Be Found in the HHF Library

The Historic Hawaii Foundation Library - Catalog Project by John Williams, retired architect, HHF volunteer & member since 2013 August 26, 2015 Last year I had the pleasure of cataloging HHF’s library of about 500 books, which has been assembled over the last 40 years. Most of the books are about Hawaii’s history, culture, and people’s stories, in addition to general interest history and preservation topics. The majority have been donated, with many coming directly from publishers. Some of the books I’ve found to be most interesting were ones that have been written by authors and organizations, and then were self-published, because they weren’t going to have a large enough market for traditional publishers. A couple of my favorite examples were: Victoria Ward and Her Family – Memories of Old Plantation, by Frank Ward Hustace III The Japanese in Hawaii: A Century of Struggle, by Roland Kotani, and The Oahu Kanyaku Imin Centennial Committee Lihue Mill – One Hundred Fifty &Years of Sugar Processing Along Nawiliwili Stream: Grinding Cane & Building Community, by Jan Tenbruggencate Oahu Cemetery – Burial Ground & Historic Site, by Nanette Napoleon Purnell and the Oahu Cemetery Association These are just a few of the many unique explorations of Hawaii’s history to be found in the HHF Library. Access to the library is an HHF membership benefit. Members (and prospective new members) may phone the office at 808-523-2900 to schedule a time to visit. Books may be reviewed on the premises only.

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:16-10:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: #Historic, architecture, Hawaii, Hawaiian history, Library, Preservation|

Duke Kahanamoku’s 125th Birthday Recognized by Google

Below is a re post from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Blog. August 24, 2015 Today Google released a Google Doodle featuring Hawaii’s most famous waterman, Duke Kahanamoku, and his iconic 16-foot, 114 pound wooden surfboard. Duke, who would have turned 125 years old today, was a legendary competitive swimmer and a key figure in the history the Natatorium. In 1911 he broke the world record for the 100 meter freestyle by 4 ½ seconds in Honolulu Harbor. He would go on to win five gold medals in swimming for the U.S. in the next two decades (despite the cancellation of the 1916 Games during World War I). Many believe that Duke’s accomplishments were the inspiration to build the Natatorium as the Territory of Hawaii’s official War Memorial. Duke was such a legend following his Olympic successes that he was invited take the inaugural lap in the Natatorium. In fact, the opening ceremonies were timed to happen on the occasion of Duke’s 37th birthday, August 24, 1927. The crowd roared as Hawaii’s “Ambassador of Aloha” plunged into the pool before a packed house. “I will never forget it,” he later exclaimed, “the intense interest shown by everybody, the color, that wonderful Waikiki pool. I had to rub my eyes and pinch myself to see if it were not all a dream.” Here is a video of Duke winning the 100-meter freestyle at the Antwerp 1920 Olympic Games, his second gold medal in the event. Also check out some vintage footage of Duke surfing at Waikiki Beach.

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:16-10:00August 24th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: Duke Kahanamoku, Waikiki Natatorium|

History and Art Merge at Maui’s Historic Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center

PRESERVATION IN THE NEWS: Magical Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center offers guided walking tours of the 25 acre historic Kaluanui Estate rife with history, botanical gardens and art studios. Maui estate celebrates visual arts and history By Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi Honolulu Star Advertiser August 2, 2015 COURTESY MIEKO PHOTOGRAPHY Artist Stephen Fellerman instructs students in a glass-blowing class. Classes are held in the studios, and artists often can be found working there. Visitors, both on the guided and self-guided tours, are welcome to take a quick peek at what’s going on in the studios. Potter's wheels spin; paintbrushes sweep across canvases; beads, shells and wire turn into pretty rings and bracelets. On any given day, creativity blooms at Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center. Art and history go hand in hand on these 25 Upcountry acres overlooking the West Maui Mountains and the verdant north shore. East Maui Plantation opened on the site in 1850. When it closed in 1885, entrepreneur Henry Baldwin bought the property. Three decades later his son and daughter-in-law, Harry and Ethel Baldwin, retained famed architect C.W. Dickey to design a home for them there. The elegant two-story mansion was completed in 1917; its name, Kaluanui, means "big pit," referring to nearby Maliko Gulch. HUI NOEAU VISUAL ARTS CENTER Built in 1917, Kaluanui, Harry and Ethel Baldwin’s estate, is now the home of Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center. Ethel Baldwin founded the hui in 1934. Ethel and her daughter, Frances Baldwin Cameron, were patrons of the arts, and in 1934 they formed Hui Noeau ("coming together for the development of artistic skill"), a group of 20 women who initially met at Kaluanui to pursue their shared passion for [...]

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:16-10:00August 19th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: #Historic, #Makawao, #VisualArts, Historic Walking Tour, Hui Noeau, Preservation|

Preserving the Kona Way of Life

Living History in Kona by Christine Thomas At its root, Kona remains a committed farming and ranching community. While the coast may be dotted with visitors and resorts, the mauka region is dedicated to growing crops,raising cattle and working the land. Housed in the old H. N. Greenwell general store in Kealakekua, the Kona Historical Society (KHS) upholds the mission of preserving Kona’s past to share it with future generations. It manages a robust Kona-centered archive and two historic sites--the Greenwell Store and adjacent Uchida Coffee farm, both run as living history museums. When KHS acquired the 7-acre coffee farm that had been run by the Uchida family for three generations in 1996, preservation was the goal. KHS decided to not only preserve the coffee mill, but the entire farm as a second living history museum to showcase the way of life of generations of Kona residents. Historic Hawaii Foundation (HHF) helped KHS find consultants and conservators to help bring the farm back into working order, restore the orchards and 100-year-old trees, and create an unforgettable experience that brings visitors back to the 1920‘s-1940‘s era of the farm during the coffee heyday. The property was painstakingly repaired to ensure historical accuracy, and today even includes chickens and a donkey, which would once have been used to pack and deliver bags of coffee. HHF continues to help celebrate and acknowledge volunteers and community members who actively preserve the Kona way of life, the way generations of Kona residents were raised. Farms provided a lasting foundation and ethic of hard work that can be seen in such pioneering families as the Uchidas. What was a way of life then, for many Kona residents, still is. Fast [...]

HistoricHawaii2017-04-21T01:01:17-10:00August 12th, 2015|Categories: Blog|Tags: #Historic, #Kona, #KonaCoffee, #restoration, Hawaii, Kona Historical Society, Preservation|