VFW Historic Preservation

[Veterans Foundation]

To those who seek new ways to strengthen & preserve the VFW’S long physical and esoteric history within the fabric of the nation and the world:

 Current programs for Historic Preservation through the National Park Service and the IRS may assist in providing creative ways to revitalize VFW posts and their communities while improving upon real capital and investment.

The Veterans Foundation is exploring en masse VFW Post Historic Preservation:  To examine the possibility of making VFW posts fifty years or older historic landmarks, placing them in the National Historic Registry, and leveraging the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive program to each locality’s advantage.

“The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program is one of the nation's most successful and cost-effective community revitalization programs. The program fosters private sector rehabilitation of historic buildings and promotes economic revitalization. It also provides a strong alternative to government ownership and management of such historic properties. The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives are available for buildings that are National Historic Landmarks, that are listed in the National Register, and that contribute to National Register Historic Districts and certain local historic districts. Properties must be income-producing and must be rehabilitated according to standards set by the Secretary of the Interior.

“Jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Internal Revenue Service in partnership with State Historic Preservation Offices, the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program rewards private investment in rehabilitating historic buildings. Starting in 1976, the Federal tax code became aligned with national historic preservation policy to encourage voluntary, private sector investment in preserving historic buildings.”

So far we have not determined how many VFW posts may indeed be eligible.  Research on state and federal levels encourages continued exploration.   Buildings/structures must be 50 years or older and hold some cultural significance to qualify as historic landmarks.  No doubt, the VFW Posts, and the namesakes they hold carry such significance.   

Once the process is complete, Historic Preservation Tax Credits can be bought and sold as a commodity to companies that need them, and may serve as a significant source of financial and public support for the organization.  The process of becoming a Historic Landmark takes approximately one year.  Engineers/Consultants must be hired, but may be paid for within the preservation process itself to avoid cost to the organization. There is so much more to consider and your input is greatly needed and appreciated.
 

If you or your department has experience in historic preservation, as we know some of you do, or if you would like to pursue the possibilities surrounding the VFW Post Historical Preservation Project, please respond to this forum board or email veteransfoundation@gmail.com with name of contact person, relevant numbers/email/mailing address. 

Becoming a historic landmark brings interest and examination to places and people that should not be forgotten.  Hundreds of posts may be eligible for revitalization where we bridge the old with the new.   

Yours in service,

Tara Sue

Executive Director

Veterans Foundation Inc.

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[Redmaxx]

This sounds like a great idea.

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[DoggyDaddy]

My Post home is over 50 years old.  Steel frame and cinder blocks. It was once an auto wrecking yard.  Wrecking yards are historic aren't they.  I suppose we could dig up the parking lot and find some vintage tires, batteries, and auto parts to put on display.

I have seen some old posts in old log cabins and brick buildings,  It would be nice if this program could help them.  But Historical Status also places limitations on improvements and effects (drops) property values.  So I advise a Post investigate all the pros and cons of each side first. 

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[easingwr670]

My first post (Washington, PA) is in downtown Washington, the building has to date back to the 1800s with the rest of the downtown buildings. That is the kind of building that needs to be preserved.

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[dmh1566]

My post has been in the same building for a LONG time (think our charter is from the late 1920s). Our old building is killing us and this sounds like a great program.

I mentioned it to the commander, lets see if he can adjust his focus from our clubroom long enough to look into it... 

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[DoggyDaddy]

Why does the Poast Commander got to do it   You can make a motion on the floor and have a comrade 2nd it For a committee to be established to investigate the matter with the VFW and City, and  come back with a report along with Pros and Cons of the action.  This may fall under the perview of the House Committee or Building Committee as your discussing building maintenance.   

In most cases, a committee can get more done in less time than an individual alone. The only exception I can think of is Congress.   

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[Redmaxx]

Well, I think that it is hard to make a motion if you are in Bagdad.

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[DoggyDaddy]

Sorry, When are you due to return?   
May I suggest a letter or e-mail to the Adjutant or a friend who attends meetings, to be read to the membership under new business with a closing that you request that a motion be made by a fellow comrade and seconded to permit discussion of your motion.  Also, your letter would become part of the minutes of the meeting. 

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