What is a historical survey?
A historical survey is a way to research, identify, and share information about a set of historic resources. Historic resources are the places, buildings, structures, sites, and objects that help tell the story of a community. A historical survey results in information that can be used in planning for Austin's future and sharing its history.
Historical surveys are useful in identifying the historic places that make a community unique and that tell the story of the city. Conducting surveys is important step in planning for the future. They can help in preparing information for museum displays, classes, or events that celebrate historic places. They are used in applications for creating local and national historic districts.
Surveys may be organized by geography or theme. A geographic survey may be organized for a particular block, subdivision, neighborhood, or other area based on resources that are within proximity to one another. Thematic surveys are surveys based on a theme. For example, a survey might focus on the history of an ethnic group, the music industry in Austin, or other historical groups, trends, and patterns.
What is a Wiki?
The term "wiki" is used to describe websites that allow people to collaborate in creating and editing linked web pages. Wikipedia is a well-known example of a wiki, but there are many other wikis.
The name of this site, the Austin Historical Survey Wiki, refers to the ability for many people to work together to identify historic resources. The project was inspired by the idea that a more accessible and complete historical inventory can be created and maintained by harnessing the power of web technology, and more importantly, collaboration between citizens and preservation professionals over time.
Why are places on the Wiki? What information is available? What if information is missing from the Wiki?
The Austin Historical Survey Wiki team has been adding information from prior historical surveys, focusing on adding information from previous professional surveys in East Austin. Wiki users have also added information. Information from the City of Austin, Texas Historical Commission, and Austin History Center, and other sources will be added over time to bring together as much existing information about historic places as possible.
There are many reasons a place may be on the Wiki. One common reason is that an entire neighborhood or area has been surveyed. Historical surveys (or Survey Efforts on the Wiki) may be completed in preparation for a national or local historic district designation. When surveys of a geographical area on completed, they often include some buildings that are newer or that don't relate to the theme of a particular survey. In these cases, they may be described as "non-contributing" to a historic district.
Some places on the Wiki may not "look historic." It is common to recognize places that have outstanding architectural features to be historic. However, there are other reasons that a building or site could be historic. It might be associated with the life of a significant person or the history of a group of people. It could be the place where an important event happened. It could relate to patterns in history that aren't related to architectural design. There are many reasons a place can be historically significant or otherwise have community value. Those reasons are often not obvious at a glance.
It is important to note that the information provided on this Wiki is powered by the contributions of the Austin Historical Survey Wiki team, users, and the City of Austin Historic Preservation Office. While the City of Austin Historic Preservation Office will periodically add and review information, updates to the Wiki are not automatic and no warranty is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of information on the Wiki. If information is missing or out-of-date for a historic place, we invite you to participate by logging in and adding information.
How can I contribute to the Austin Historical Survey Wiki?
You are welcome to contribute information to the Wiki. The first step is to create a new account, which requires your full name and mailing address. (Your name will be shared on the Wiki; however, your mailing address will not be displayed on the Wiki.) Once you are logged in, you will be able to add and edit historic places. Every piece of information you contribute will be sent to a moderator. The moderator reviews information. The information you have submitted will normally be published within 24-48 hours. Moderation is designed to prevent spam or malicious Wiki entries.
Are contributions to the Austin Historical Survey Wiki anonymous?
No, all information submitted to the Wiki is attributed to the full name of the user who submitted it. The Wiki is a public information system for the City of Austin; therefore, it is necessary for all information to be listed with the name of the person who contributed it. If you do not wish for your name to be listed on the Wiki, there are many other ways to get involved in the City of Austin's historic preservation efforts. For this particular site, a full name is required and will be displayed on the Wiki.