St. Louis County Historian: A Post Currently Unfilled

(Politics has become a hot-button issue and we do not wish to enter the fray. However, the post of St. Louis County historian is currently vacant, and the lack of a historian is a concern for all genealogists with roots in the area. Thanks to StLGS liaison to local historical/genealogical societies, Mary Lee Chivetta, for this week's post.) 

The office of St. Louis County preservation historian in the Department of Parks and Recreation has been unfilled since April of 2018. The position was most recently held by Danny Gonzales, who moved out of town. Before that, it was held for a number of decades by Esley Hamilton. Due to budgetary cuts by the most recent county administration, the position has not only remained unfilled, but it has been removed from the budget. Many of the county council members are young and/or new to the job and may be unaware of the position and the functions of the office.

Why do we need a county historian? According to an online history of St. Louis County Parks and Recreation, St. Louis County "now owns one of the most wide-ranging and significant groups of historic buildings and museum collections of any county park system in the country."

A county historian can coordinate historical information sources for the county he or she serves and handle inquiries from within and without the county. He or she can promote cooperation between local historical organizations—of which we have a wealth—and can organize workshops for local societies to promote and sustain their work. A historian is well acquainted with and interested in the county’s heritage and will take stock of the historical needs in the county and address them as they develop.

Most counties have preservation historians because they are good for the local economy. Cultural heritage is a demonstrated economic asset and an essential component of any thriving location, providing part of the framework that attracts talent and enhances business development. A vibrant community has an awareness of its history and works to enhance it—and the community benefits.

If we are going to restore this position in St. Louis County, our elected officials need to know how their constituents feel. You can help by going to  https://www.stlouisco.com/, and then clicking on "Your Government," and then on "County Council." If you know who your council member is, you can click on the district and find their email. If you don’t know who your council member is, scroll through the districts and select the map to find your district. Let your council member know you think it’s time to budget for the position and fill it for our future good.