The Adams County Historic Preservation Commission is part of a nationwide network of local governments that work to identify and protect historic properties all across the country.

The network starts at the federal level with the Secretary of the Interior and the National Park Service. These agencies have developed the criteria and guidelines for the program and can approve each state and authorize the establishment of a State Historic Preservation Office.

The state can certify any local government (city or county) interested in participating in the program, and then the local government appoints a commission of local folks to do the work. The commission is eligible to apply to the state for a small grant each year, which is generated at the federal level.

The Adams County Historic Preservation Commission's first project is to preserve and restore the 1915 Adams County Courthouse. We know that this is a substantial project and will require a great deal of time, money, and energy. However, we also know that there are a number of other projects worthy of attention in Adams County and we intend to look at some of these as we progress with the Courthouse.

At present our Commission has seven members with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience. Four communities in Adams County are represented in our Commission: New Meadows, Fruitvale, Indian Valley and Council.

Our members are: Susan McCarty, Dale Fisk, Tim Toomey, Jim Peart, Elaine Johnston, and Mary Ann Masters.