Draper Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Draper Historic Preservation Commission met on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6:05 p.m. and adjourned at 7:15 p.m. The meeting covered updates on the proposed Draper museum, plans for the Draper Days walking tour, Native American recognition efforts, the Widowmaker plaque installation, and other preservation projects.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously without changes.

Discussion Items

• Historical Society Coordination: Elizabeth reported on a heritage banquet and a planned Draper Day history presentation at the senior center by Kathleen Weinstock. A member noted a potentially historic wood shack on the former Joshua Terry property (believed to date to the Draper Irrigation Company, founded 1888). Photos were reviewed; a demolition permit is pending. The commission discussed contacting the owner about preservation or relocation.
• Museum Update (Guest Speaker Gary Free): Gary Free presented a revised museum concept (approximately 10,000 square feet) featuring interactive “experience rooms” using AI technology, replacing a larger theater plan. Private donors have committed funding, but the city has not accepted the gift. Free emphasized the project is on hold and may never proceed. He distributed a bullet-point handout.
• Draper Days Walking Tour: Melissa reported planning for a walking tour on July 14th from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., focusing on businesses and community areas (theater, park, cemetery, Swinton House, historic park). Volunteers were solicited for tour guides.
• Juneteenth Website Content: Wendy shared that a thank-you note was received from a community member after posting Juneteenth content. The commission agreed to work with communications to add a more detailed page to the city website.
• Walk Tour Video Tours: Melissa and a member are coordinating with owners of the Rasmussen house to produce a video tour, possibly in July.
• Walking Tour Brochures: David reported a need for more brochures and QR stickers due to high distribution. Staff will provide supplies.
• Native American Recognition: The commission discussed options: a plaque (expensive, requires research) versus adding website content to tell stories. Members supported continuing website content and exploring a future plaque (potentially FY28) after consultation and research. Budget constraints noted.
• Budget Preview: Staff noted approximately $6,000 remaining for plaques and video tours. Reconnaissance-level survey invoices are expected through July. A near-term/mid-term strategy was proposed.
• America 250 Participation: Krista reported Draper was selected as a site for the America 250 mobile museum. The walk/service program received 20 applicants in its first week. Swire Coke offered to sponsor a community potluck. The next America 250 committee meeting is June 3rd.
• Draper Ethnic and Minority History Research: David met with Ray Glad, a lifelong resident, who will document names and locations of Greek, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese families. Linda Richens also agreed to help. Positive community feedback on a recent article about slavery in Draper was shared.
• Widowmaker Plaque Update and Ceremony: Jason reported that installation (concrete work) is expected within weeks; public works and parks will handle the site. Ceremony ideas included vintage motorcycles from the Kimball family, open-source race footage, and a possible tie-in to Draper Days. A member raised concerns about timing (heat, site readiness). Staff will coordinate with public works to finalize a date.
• Akagi House / Tithing Building Tour: A member contacted the owner; access will be possible after a tree in front of the entrance is removed.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: Previous meeting minutes approved.
• Action Items: Lynn to provide photos of the Joshua Terry property; Melissa and Annie to continue Draper Days tour planning; David to replenish brochures and QR codes; Wendy to update Juneteenth website content; commission to develop Native American website content and consider a plaque for FY28; Krista to continue America 250 participation; David to work with Ray Glad and Linda Richens on ethnic history research; Jason to coordinate with Linda on open-source footage usage and approach Kimball family for the Widowmaker ceremony.
• Next Steps: Widowmaker plaque installation to proceed; staff to confirm site readiness and propose a ceremony date. Next commission meeting will include budget planning and updates on action items.