Context Statements

Woman holding quilt with the word Cornerstones.

About

Context Statements are a tool used to make preservation decisions. Cultural Context Statements provide:

  • an overview of local history and culture
  • a framework for places, people and traditions important to the community
  • an understanding of community identity

A cultural context statement includes:

  • information based on cultural themes
  • descriptions of broad community patterns and trends
  • identification of specific buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts reflecting community

The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is creating a strategic plan for context statements.

Funding for this work comes from:

  • Texas Historical Commission
  • San Antonio Conservation Society

Our Vision

OHP works with communities to tell their own stories. The vision is to focus on context statements for underrepresented groups.

The Living Heritage Symposium Action Plan includes creating context statements and community storytelling.

Goals

OHP's goal is to use a value-based approach. This means we focus not only on architecture. We also include traditions, spirituality, music, art and other forms of cultural expression. We include values identified by the community.

African American Heritage

The first context statement, currently underway, is on African American Heritage:

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