The city of Hailey joined 22 other Idaho municipalities recognized for preserving their unique cultural histories at an awards breakfast Thursday in Lewiston. The meeting was a part of the annual convention of the Association of Idaho Cities.
The annual recognition of Idaho municipalities is a joint effort of the Idaho Historical Society and the Association of Idaho Cities.
Called the Idaho Heritage City program, the special designation acknowledges the efforts undertaken by municipalities to protect and make available information on buildings, artifacts, records, written material, photos, oral reminiscences and other programs that contribute to the educational offerings, pride and history of a community.
Area cities that have previously received the designation include Ketchum and Rupert.
The recognition is a gratifying affirmation of the work currently being done in Hailey to catalog and preserve the city's rich history, Hailey Mayor Susan McBryant said.
"It is a really neat acknowledgement," McBryant said.
Work undertaken by the Hailey Historic Preservation Commission has identified over 400 structures of historical character in the city of Hailey, McBryant said.
Based in part on the commission's recommendations, Hailey is currently working on a draft demolition ordinance to help regulate the demolition of buildings deemed to be historic in character.
Selection for Idaho Heritage City status follows a review of 14 separate criteria during which a municipality must show that it has fulfilled at least seven of those criteria. Municipalities granted Idaho Heritage City status receive a plaque for display in an appropriate public location such as their city halls. They also receive metal signs indicating their status as an Idaho Heritage City for display at entries to their city limits or other appropriate locations.
Continuation of Idaho Heritage City status requires successful review of the qualification criteria every three years.
