Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - June 17, 2026

The Draper City Historic Preservation Commission met on June 17, 2026 at 6:01 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, historical society coordination, budget review, upcoming tours, the Widowmaker ceremony, a historic bank sign, American 250 plans, and recent conference attendance. Action items were assigned.

Minutes Approval

• The previous meeting minutes were approved with a change: correcting the name of the historical society representative from Melissa to Elizabeth on item 3A. The motion carried unanimously.

Historical Society Coordination

• Elizabeth reported that the historical society meeting occurred earlier than usual; the next meeting is on June 29.
• David announced that the Draper Senior Center is sponsoring a history day on June 25 at 10:30 AM featuring Catherine Weinstein, author of a picture book on Draper history. Starting in September, Lynn will arrange monthly history presentations at the senior center.
• The commission scheduled an inventory event at the museum on July 22 from 6-8 PM. Nancy will attend the historical society meeting on June 29.

Budget Review

• Melissa presented the budget review for the current fiscal year. Final numbers are pending invoices from Coral and Kurt. The deadline for this fiscal year invoices is before July 1.
• For the upcoming fiscal year, remaining funds (approximately $4,500) were discussed. Planned expenditures include plaques for the Isaac Stewart and Dan Williams homes, reconnaissance level survey finalization, and the Smith Rasmussen home video tour (likely next spring).
• The Widowmaker ceremony expenses will fall into the next fiscal year. The commission will revisit the budget in August.

Provo Historical Walking Tour Report

• Melissa shared observations from a recent historic walking tour in Provo. The tour featured 7-8 homes, QR codes for information, and maps. Some homes allowed interior visits with shoe booties.
• A notable issue raised: some insurance companies refuse to cover historic homes due to restoration requirements. The commission discussed compiling a list of insurers who do cover such properties.

Draper Days Tour Planning

• The Draper Days historic walking tour is scheduled for July 14 from 6-8 PM, starting at the historic park.
• Stops include: Draper Fort (Lynn discussing books and history), Sorenson House (Crystal), Walter J. Green home (discussed from across street), Draper Cemetery (Shanda), Park School (Melissa), and Draper Theater (Nancy). Permission for interior access has been obtained for Park School and Draper Theater; Sorenson House may also be open.
• The commission discussed using easels with historic photos, placing QR codes at the cemetery, and selling historical society books (to be worked out regarding payment methods). Meeting time for volunteers: 5:30 PM.

Widowmaker Ceremony Discussion

• Jason reported that the August date is too hot and proposed late September (19 or 26). The city may have resources (tents, staff) available in September.
• The commission agreed to target one of those Saturdays and finalize a plan at the August meeting. Discussion included potential speakers (Mel Sr. or family), business sponsorships, and site logistics (blocking launch pads, cleaning bathrooms). Jen will research sponsorship rules.
• A Google sheet with ideas was shared; commission members were asked to review and volunteer for tasks.

Draper Bank Sign

• Nancy rescued a historic Draper Bank sign from being discarded by the Historical Society president. The sign dates to the 1950s and was originally at the bank building (now Zion's Bank).
• The commission agreed the sign is part of Draper history. Nancy, Lynn, and Annie will approach Zion's Bank about displaying it on loan from the Historical Society, with proper loan paperwork.

American 250

• Krista (absent) reported via email: the 250 challenge is ongoing; a picnic (“America’s Potluck”) will be held July 5 from 5-7 PM (bring your own dinner). Birthday cards are available for signing at city events, with pens as incentives.

Shippo Conference (Utah State Historic Preservation Office Conference)

• Melissa and Jen attended the conference on June 12 in Ogden. Keynote by Lisa Eccles. Sessions covered historic districts, interpretive signage, and renovation of Ogden High School. The conference provided insights for future projects.

Other Updates

• David is researching Draper’s ethnic and minority history, including a black cemetery (Union Cemetery). He will share materials.
• The video tour of historic homes is on hold as the Smith Rasmussen family prepares their home.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved with correction.
• Inventory event scheduled for July 22, 6-8 PM.
• Draper Days tour confirmed for July 14, 6-8 PM; volunteers to meet at 5:30 PM.
• Widowmaker ceremony postponed to late September; final date and plan to be voted on at August meeting.
• Draper Bank sign to be offered to Zion's Bank on loan from Historical Society.
• Action items assigned: Melissa to pick up signs from Angie; Nancy to attend historical society meeting; Jen to research business sponsorship rules and county involvement; Lynn, Nancy, and Annie to coordinate bank meeting.