Preserving Our History
Our Preserving Our History presentation featured Cristobal Lopez, Texas Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, who shared powerful examples of how community advocacy and partnership can protect historic places. Cristobal discussed the extensive work that led to the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas becoming a National Historic Site, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the National Park Service, Blackwell School descendants, and the National Parks Conservation Association.
He also addressed the ongoing work at the San Antonio Missions, outlining the efforts required to ensure park rangers receive the same law-enforcement authority as their counterparts at other national parks. These protections are essential to safeguarding the Missions, preserving cultural resources, and honoring the living communities connected to these historic sites.
