Interview with Richard S. DeCamp, July 10, 1980

Partial Transcript: Where were you born?

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp introduces himself and discusses the development of his interest in preservation. He talks about the community's interest in preservation work in Lexington. He talks about the challenges of leadership in Lexington preservation organizations.

Keywords: Finances; Funds; Historic Preservation Committee

Subjects: Historic preservation—Kentucky; Restoration and conservation

Partial Transcript: What methods did you, uh, use, then, to gain support from the community? To, to do this, as you said, to make the directorship self-supporting as well as benefit the Trust?

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp talks about the significance of public relations in gaining support from the community. He discusses the environmental movement's impact on preservation efforts. DeCamp describes his efforts of changing the way people viewed preservation and how he was able to succeed in increasing membership and enthusiasm.

Keywords: Attitudes; Media; Members; Newspapers; Presidents; Public relations; Television

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky

Partial Transcript: The restoration of the Hunt-Morgan House, of course, was one of the goals of the group from the very beginning.

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp talks about the financial aspect of the Trust. He talks about fundraisers including tours and parties. DeCamp describes the restoration process of the Hunt-Morgan House.

Keywords: Donations; Finances; Fundraisers; Funds; Hunt-Morgan House

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic buildings--Conservation and restoration--Kentucky—Lexington

Partial Transcript: Do you have any familiarity, uh, with when the group became involved with the National Trust? When the Blue Grass Trust became involved with the National Trust?

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp describes the Trust's involvement with the National Trust and the development of Shakertown. He talks about zoning issues the Trust has been faced with, including the rezoning of Gratz Park.

Keywords: Lexington (Ky.); National Trust for Historic Preservation; Preservation organizations; Shaker Village

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Pleasant Hill (Ky.); Zoning law

Partial Transcript: How did the Trust involve itself with neighborhood associations?

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp talks about the Trust's interaction with neighborhood associations and about their preservation efforts in downtown in light of urban renewal. He discusses appropriate opposition to demolition.

Keywords: Demolition; Lexington (Ky.); Neighborhood associations; Preservation; Zoning

Subjects: Historic districts--Conservation and restoration.; Historic preservation—Kentucky; Urban renewal—Kentucky—Lexington.

Partial Transcript: How do you feel, uh, how do you see the government of Lexington-Fayette County, their role in, in preservation? What role do they appear to be taking in this movement of preservation that the Trust is so involved with?

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp talks about the role of local government in preservation efforts. He describes measuring success for the Trust's goals and striving for a balance between old and new structures.

Keywords: Communities; Goals; Government; Leaderships; Politics; Success

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky

Partial Transcript: The Trust definitely, at its inception, wanted to be an outreach pro--an outreach kind of, um, group. They didn't--they wanted to be able to get out into the community and bring the community in. How do you evaluate the outreach programs of the Trust?

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp discusses the outreach efforts of the Trust, especially the Christmas in the Park function. He talks about where he got the idea for the BGT Plaque Program and the purpose of the plaques. Decamp talks about the importance of the Trust's revolving fund.

Keywords: BGT Plaque Program; Christmas in the Park; Communities; Directors; Ideas; Outreach

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Has the role of preservation in Lexington changed? And if you feel it has, how? Either through the efforts of the Trust or often by itself?

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp talks about the Trust's lack of involvement with the business community. He discusses the significance of the Trust's revolving fund and voices his concerns for the future of the organization.

Keywords: Economics; Goals; Growth; Involvement; Leadership; Lexington (Ky.); Politics

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky

Partial Transcript: When you accepted the position as executive director of the Blue Grass Trust, you must have had certain goals in mind for both the Trust and perhaps, um, personally in your own career.

Segment Synopsis: DeCamp talks about serving as the director of the Blue Grass Trust, including his goals and accomplishments. He discusses his personal preservation projects. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Achievements; Directors; Leaders; Lexington Woman's Club; Presidents

Subjects: Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation; Historic preservation—Kentucky; Restoration and conservation