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Nuestra Señora
de la Limpia Concepción
Socorro, Texas
The built
environment of the Southwest is one of the most beautiful
examples of vernacular architecture in the United States.
Many of these adobe structures are several centuries old and
are symbolic of the rich heritage of the original builders.
Traditions of community cooperation in maintaining the
buildings have been passed down for generations. Thus,
to preserve vernacular, historic architecture is to preserve
the cultural heritage and values they embody.
For the
past twenty years, Cornerstones has assisted over 300 rural
Hispanic and Native American communities throughout New
Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas in the restoration of
their historic and cultural structures as a means for the
preservation of the rich cultural heritage unique to this
region. Over 50 major restoration projects, led by the
community, have been successfully completed.
Cornerstones' community-based approach to the
preservation of historic structures integrates
historic preservation with at-risk youth apprenticeships;
on-the-job adult training; the promotion of community
collaborations; and economic development through heritage
tourism.
Community-Based Philosophy
- Community capacity building is the core of Cornerstones'
Model.
- Methods include intergenerational teaching
and learning.
- Committed to engaging youth as a means of preserving
cultural traditions and heritage.
- Key to Cornerstones work is the re-establishment of
traditional building arts relative to vernacular
earthen architecture.
- Historic Preservation Workshops are offered as means for
professional and community outreach.
San
Rafael Mission, La Cueva, New Mexico
National Acclaim
Cornerstones is designated as an official project of Save
America’s Treasures. In 1999, Former First Lady, Hillary
Rodham Clinton visited Santa Fe and recognized the importance
of Cornerstones work as a grassroots organization dedicated to
community-based historic preservation.
To Download a copy of
Cornerstones Annual Report please click on the below link.
2008 Annual Report
in pdf
Partner Links
www.nationalparks.org
www.nationaltrust.org
www.saveamericastreasures.org
www.statemuseum.arizona.edu/oer/missionsini
www.tourismcares.org
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