2005
NCSHPO Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation
Judith Bittner, Alaska SHPO
in the category of Lifetime Achievement
in recognition of a current SHPO, Deputy SHPO, or SHPOffice staff
person who has made a significant, long-term (20 years or more)
contribution to historic preservation.
Judy Bittner, Alaska’s State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO) since 1983 has faced many challenges
heading Alaska’s Office of History and Archaeology.
Shortly after Judy took the position,
the National Park Service proposed a number of places be designated
National Historic Landmarks for their association with World War
II in the Pacific. Federal, state and local officials, along with
Native American organizations objected, fearing development in
the boundaries, re-use, and clean-up at the sites would not be
allowed. Judy served as the mediator between the parties and the
issue was successfully resolved.
In 1986, the price of oil plummeted
and the State of Alaska was eliminating and/or consolidating many
of its agencies and programs. The solution for three cultural
agencies (the Alaska Historical Commission, the Office of History
and Archaeology, and the Alaska Archaeological Survey) and three
citizen boards (the Alaska Historical Commission, the Historic
Resources Advisory Committee, and the State geographic names Advisory
Board) was consolidation. Judy oversaw the consolidation and was
selected as head of the expanded Office of History and Archaeology.
In 1989, Judy steered the Office of
History and Archaeology through the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Archaeological
sites were threatened not only by the oil spill, but by vandalism.
The effort involved countless meetings to consider cultural resources,
field work to assess damage and monitor the sites, and an extensive
educational program to raise awareness about the sites and educate
people about historic preservation laws.
But not all the projects that have involved
Judy and relied heavily on her leadership have been controversial
In the early 1990s, opportunities arose to work with tourism groups,
local historical societies, communities, and educators to commemorate
the centennials of the gold discoveries in the Yukon and Alaska.
Judy coordinated with all of the groups and successfully found
funds for grant programs and from grant programs. Projects included
changing the state’s license plates, a coordinated series
of interpretive markers along Alaska’s roads and marine
highways, publication of a brochure and other quality information
materials, and support and assistance to exhibits at museums and
visitor centers around the state.
Additionally, Judy has been involved
with the initiative to require high school students to take a
course in Alaska history to graduate, participating in several
background studies, conducting studies and collecting data as
well as preparing materials.
Judy has also served on the boards of
statewide non-profit organizations (the Alaska Historical Society,
Alaska Association for Historic Preservation, and the Alaska Anthropological
Association) and been involved with national organizations (Alaska
Advisor for the National Trust for Historic Preservation), and
served as the President of the National Conference of State Historic
Preservation Officers.
Judy has been supportive and encouraging
of her staff’s individual strengths and interests and they
reflect on how lucky they and Alaska have been to have her leadership
for the pst twenty years.
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