The Flagler County Historical Society recently announced that the Holden House, located in Bunnell, Florida has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The NRHP nomination was prepared by volunteers from the Historical Society, a founding member of the Heritage Crossroads Scenic Byway Organization.
The Byway Organization joins with the rest of the community in celebrating this significant and deserved achievement. The Historical Society will hold an open house on December 15th to celebrate the receipt of this designation.
The circa 1918 Holden House was originally constructed for Ethel and Tom Holden as a wedding present from Ethel’s father and currently serves as the Historical Society’s headquarters’. Located on SR 100, the Holden House is the sixth NRHP resource located along the Heritage Crossroads Scenic Byway, each contributing to the overall story of the byway and heritage of the community.
The NRHP is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s NRHP is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Heritage Crossroads Scenic highway is part of the collection of byways that make up the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) sponsored Florida Scenic Highways Program. This program was developed to help community-based organizations conserve, protect and promote Florida’s resources while growing Florida’s economy. Started in 1996 this grass roots-based program includes over 1,500 miles of designated highway throughout the state.
Randy Jaye, member of the Flagler County Historical Society and author of the NRHP nomination package. I realized this house is an historical gem in the area and as I did the research I realized it was a likely candidate to be on the national register.
Sisco Deen, archivist with the Flagler County Historical Society, said the addition of the Holden House to the list is an important step in preserving the county’s local history.
Nancy Duke, Chair of the Heritage Crossroads Scenic Highway Byway Organization: We are proud of all our partner organizations and their efforts to preserve the regions history and traditions. We are especially pleased with the Historical Society’s efforts to recognize the Holden House and its place in Flagler County history.
Claudia Calzaretta, FDOT District Scenic Highways Coordinator: It’s through local grass-roots efforts such as these that scenic highway resources are recognized and preserved for future generations.
For further information on this designation please contact the Flagler County Historical Society www.flaglercountyhistoricalsociety.com
Both the Flagler County Historical Society and the Heritage Crossroads Byway Organization (http://heritagecrossroadshighway.org/) are federally designated 501c3 nonprofit corporations. Based in Bunnell, each organization focuses on the promotion and protection of the outstanding historical resources and traditions of Flagler County.
