SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced the appointment of Ron James, Nevada’s state historic preservation officer, to serve for four years on the National Park Service System Advisory Board. James has served since 2004 on the National Historic Landmarks Committee, which makes recommendations to the advisory board for listings of historic properties as landmarks.
The advisory board also considers nominations for listings of National Natural Landmarks and on the historic significance of proposed national historic trails. In addition, the board advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the National Park Service on the various programs administered by the National Park Service.
“I’m pleased that Nevada will be represented at a national level on this 12-member board,” Nevada Senator Harry Reid said. “Throughout his career, Ron has shown his commitment to preserving Nevada’s history and heritage. I’m confident that he’ll continue to protect Nevada’s and our nation’s parks during his term on the National Park System Advisory Board.”
James has administered Nevada’s Office of Historic Preservation since 1983, and in 1991 he organized the Commission for Cultural Affairs, which has awarded over $40 million for the restoration of historic buildings to be used as cultural centers. He will serve as a historian and folklorist on the National Park System Advisory Board.
James is the author or co-author of eight books, including the recently released Nevada’s Historic Buildings: A Cultural Legacy. James supervised the development of Virginia City’s Comstock History Center, which opened in 2005 to house the Comstock Historic District Commission and the Virginia and Truckee Engine #18.
“I hope to use this opportunity to advance western causes,” said James. “The mission of the Park Service spans all the states, and each facility and program deserves the full support of Board members. But the West is too often neglected. It is important to bring the region’s issues to forefront of a national discussion.”
The State Historic Preservation Office is an agency of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs. The Department serves Nevada’s citizens and visitors through cultural and information management, presentation and promotion of cultural resources, and education. The Department also includes the Division of Museums and History, Nevada State Library and Archives, Nevada Arts Council, Comstock Historic District Commission, and Commission for Cultural Affairs. For more information on the Department of Cultural Affairs, please call Teresa Moiola at (775) 687-8323 or visit the department’s website at www.NevadaCulture.org.
