Introduction and Mission Statement

The Overlook Historic Preservation Foundation was initially created as a vehicle to conduct preservation activities targeted initially at old and historic housing and buildings. The Foundation hoped to address its concern for the general demise of both historic and early 20^th century housing in rural areas. Often lacking the economic engine required for sustained use or restoration, these properties age and die as their original owners do.

The Foundation has matured to believe that preservation must look far beyond the acts of rejuvenation and restoration, but more to the diverse needs of less advantaged rural communities.

There are many cases where preservation activities have been hugely successful but how they promote real community development is sometimes questionable. According to the MacArthur Foundation, one of the nation’s ten largest Foundations, the notion of a successful community is as follows:

“Successful communities are easy to spot. Those that most effectively foster individual growth and development have strong, supportive families; vigorous, sustainable economies; accountable, competent government; strong educational systems; safe homes and public spaces; and vibrant civic, religious, and cultural institutions that bring people together and foster cultural and artistic expression.”

If preservation is to attain meaningful success, it must use its resources to the betterment of the many components of community need.  These thoughts have driven the evolution of our Foundation towards it mission as stated below:

Mission Statement

“The Overlook Historic Preservation Foundation seeks to preserve communities through restoration, resource acquisition and utilization. It recognizes the parallel between the decay of historic property and unsuccessful communities and strives to achieve community improvement through thoughtful preservation and balanced utilization”

The Things We Do

• The acquisition and restoration of historic homes and public buildings
• Donations of cash to various other charities and individuals such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation
• The participation and leadership of many community action programs from consultation on preservation projects to leading community groups against activities injurious to the health and welfare of citizens
• The donation of usable building materials, appliances and supplies to needy individuals
• The development of an innovative and progressive plan, in conjunction with a major University, for the Overlook Ranch- a work and play oriented summer camp designed to improve self-esteem in troubled or under achieving adolescent children- this activity is pending subject to funding

If you’d like to visit one of our projects on alternate weekends the Kern House is available for tours. It is a Queen Ann Victorian (under constant restoration) and the Foundation’s headquarters.

The house is located in Mingus Texas and is available for public use within our guidelines. A charge is assessed depending on the type of event that is contemplated and a $200.00 deposit, which is returned following the particular activity, is collected prior to the event. The home is fully furnished in period antiques, but has a few modern amenities to accommodate its guests. The guidelines for activities are as follows:

Small Weddings and Receptions (no more than 20 guests-no smoking)		$250.00 maintenance charge
Honey Moon Two Night Stays (no-smoking)		$100.00 per night
Public Meetings related to Foundation business, civic group meetings supporting religious or elderly citizens oriented events (no more than 25 guests-no smoking)		No charge if group cleans up