Why Historic Preservation is Important to our Board of Directors

The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County’s 2024 Board of Directors Answer:

 “Why Historic Preservation is Important to Me”

 

 

James Brown, President

“In the late 1960’s, my father would take me along in the family car to drop off my sister who had dancing lessons in a building directly across from the trust building. We waited in the car, as driving home from Leola was not efficient at all. As we sat, week after week in the car, there was time to talk. He said every time, without fail, the same story. “See that parking garage? They changed how they built it and built it around that old house”. Then he would quote, “I don’t know why they saved it, but it must be important”. He would close with “It must be really worthwhile, or they would have just pushed it over”. Perhaps this was prudent imprinting for my future role as President of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.

While not professionally schooled in Preservation, I do understand construction and maintenance methods from a personal perspective, and from my career choice as Director of Facilities for Ephrata National Bank. I understand the value of preservation as it relates to Lancaster County. The pressure on the current shrinking inventory of homes, and properties is growing as fast as the rate of new construction. Perhaps at a more accelerated pace. Without our work to campaign for education, preserving, re-purposing buildings, many more would be lost. More have been lost than we would like. I have a personal passion to save as much of our current inventory of buildings for future generations. While some do not understand or perhaps fully embrace preservation, most do see the value of a fully renovated old structure, that functions in the modern age. To that end, our team and Executive Director and board of directors have put together a list of items that we would like to do to our building to keep it in top repair. The building is most likely the best “living” example of how preservation can work, while continually educating new generations to the concept of Historic Preservation. This mindset I can say is across our entire Board of Directors. We have a very special group of people. There are no hidden agendas, or personal driven agendas on our board. We are highly focused on the above mindset and goals. Therefore, that is the reason we are asking to be considered for the monies for repairs. Keep the light on for preservation at The Trust. I am sure Mr. Snyder would look kindly on our path and direction. “

 

Don Johnson, Treasurer & Secretary

“Having grown up in the West where much of the "history" and "development" occurred relatively recently compared to Lancaster County; I have come to greatly appreciate our local treasures. I very much want to help preserve the unique and rich diversity of Lancaster's representation of architecture and design.”

 

Daniel Gagliano, Board Member

“In my background and role as an Architect, I am concerned with cultivating and promoting the creation and sustaining of meaningful places for flourishing human habitation. Historic Preservation is essential to ensuring contemporary and future buildings and spaces remain grounded and conversant with their context, for the relatability of the architecture, its language, scale and uses; the self-awareness and reflection of its occupants; and the harmony, rational coherence, and beautiful expressiveness of the place.  Historic Preservation contributes to the physical and emotional safety, intellectual heritage, and richness of character of the populations served by it. “

 

Adam Zurn, Board Member

“Preserving our local history is more than safeguarding buildings and landmarks; it’s about keeping the spirit of our past alive to inspire future generations. Through Uncharted Lancaster, I’ve seen firsthand how stories and hidden gems can captivate people and make history feel alive. Every time we save a piece of Lancaster’s heritage, we’re not just conserving bricks and mortar but protecting tales of adventure, resilience, and identity that would otherwise be lost. Supporting preservation means keeping these stories accessible for all to discover and connect with.”

 

Jordan Zimmerman, Board Member

“I believe preservation is important for maintaining senses of place in this world with rich depth, character, and beauty. Senses of place that draw on history are individually unique and cannot be recreated once lost. Preservation has meaningful impact on the human experience. “

 

Jessica Meyer, Board Member

“Since a very young age, Historic Preservation has been instilled in me from my father, study of genealogy and spending many childhood summers at Landis Valley Farm Museum. In 2006, my father and I acquired White Chimneys estate, which stands in eastern Lancaster County, dated 1720. This property was granted an easement with the Historic Preservation Trust in 1998 and the purchase of the property has served to instill an even greater appreciation for the necessity of preservation for endangered properties. My role on the board is to assist in support in any way that I can in our rural community and Lancaster County. “ 

 

Kelly Kopelman, Board Member

“One of my favorite buildings in Lancaster is the Central Market.  I love the history and energy of the building.  It is a cornerstone of the Lancaster Community with its rich heritage.  Personally, I have always been drawn to historic buildings.  I love the craftmanship and details in them that you don’t often find in modern day buildings.  Preserving that history has become vitally important to our community and I love being a part of an organization that supports that goal.”

 

Danielle Keperling, Executive Director

Danielle Keperling has worked full-time in the preservation industry since 2001.  Danielle holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Eastern University.  She works in her family business restoring 18th, 19th, and 20th century buildings for public and private clients, including the National Parks Service and Smithsonian Institute.

Danielle co-authored two books: Preservation Primer: Avoid Common Mistakes that Cause Irreversible & Costly Damage to Your Historical Building's Architectural Integrity and Daredevil Marketing: How Preservation Based Contractors & Architects Can: Get Better Projects, Clients, and Prices.  In 2019 Danielle launched the Practical Preservation podcast to share preservation knowledge with a larger audience. Danielle also serves on the Lancaster City Historical Commission helping to oversee the Heritage Conservation District.

 

If historic preservation is also important to YOU, please consider donating to the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County on Friday, November 22 during the Extraordinary Give by clicking this link.