Why Do Community History According to the Public Policy Research Center (PPRC) community history work is a powerful way to strengthen communities and improve the local economy. According to the PPRC: History deepens residents' attachment to place and promotes their investment in its future. A well-documented interpretation of a town or city's history draws tourists and thus boosts the local economy. Historical perspectives promote a sense of unity and purpose, which allows a community to make informed policy decisions. Historical awareness helps citizens understand the impact of today's choices on the future of the community. What Can I Do To Start a Community History Program In My Town or City? ? Appoint and Support a Community Historian Consider the following when thinking about appointing a community historian: Have the mayor formally appoint the historian or ask for a volunteer. Allot a small budget, maybe $500, for city history projects to pay for paper, office supplies, training and travel, if needed, to assist the historian. Designate your city recorder, or other officer, to supervise the historian. Outline the job description for the duties of the community historian that does not overload the person on this position. The community historian may be tasked with compiling important newspaper articles, writing annual histories, and taking photos at community events. For advice on finding and appointing a community historian, contact Bill Morris with Marriott-Slaterville City at (810) 627-1919. ? Develop a Community Oral History Project For several years, both Utah State History (USH) and the Utah Humanities Council (UHC) offered grants to educational institutions and nonprofit organizations for oral history projects. USH and UHC wanted to simplify the process for applicants and work together to ensure that the limited funds available will be used to best advantage. Funds for Oral History Grants are made possible through state appropriations and a special We The People appropriation from Congress to the National Endowment for the Humanities. ? Develop a Heritage Tourism Project According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), "cultural heritage tourism can have a tremendous economic impact on local economies. To economic benefits like new businesses, jobs and higher property values, tourism adds less tangible but equally importantpayoffs. A well-managed tourism program improves the quality of life as residents take advantage of the services and attractions tourism adds. It promotes community pride, which grows as people work together to develop a thriving tourist industry." For information on starting a heritage tourism program in your community see the NTHP website. For more information on applying for an oral history grant or developing a heritage tourism program, contact Brandon Johnson at iohnson@utahhumanitics.org or(801)359-9670.