The Newton Historic Preservation Commission’s 2024 Annual report has been presented to the Newton City Council. The report is a requirement for the commission to maintain its Certified Local Government status, which makes the City of Newton eligible for additional grant opportunities. Newton Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Larry Hurto presented the report, and noted city staff was able to preserve a very old street marker. 

“Specifically, folks from Public Works were able to rescue and preserve a pre-1911 “Race Street” street marker from the east curb of West 4th Street South. In the old days, pre-1911, street signs were actually placed in the curbing. They were cast iron signs with the names of the street.”

Other highlights of last year according to Hurto included hosting the “Spark Smithsonian Exhibit”, providing a number of historical presentations and programs in the community, and providing information about historic properties to citizens.