Highland Arts Council and Historical Society propose new community center for local heritage

The Highland City Council meeting held on June 3, 2025, focused on the collaborative efforts of the Highland Historical Society and the Arts Council to enhance cultural and historical preservation in the community. The meeting began with representatives from both organizations presenting their initiatives and future plans.

Darlene Stice Van Werkhoven, a member of the Historical Society, shared her personal connection to Highland and highlighted the society's mission to preserve local history through documents, photos, and artifacts. She outlined several ongoing projects, including digitization efforts, genealogical research, and the development of a new website to better showcase their collections. The society is also working on an oral history project to capture the stories of long-time residents.

Shawna Larson, head of the Arts Council, discussed the council's goal to expand arts programming in Highland, noting a significant demand for more space to accommodate various classes and community events. She proposed the creation of a larger arts and heritage center to host art classes, performances, and senior citizen activities. Larson emphasized the need for a dedicated venue to alleviate current space constraints and enhance community engagement in the arts.

Both organizations are considering two potential sites for the new center: the Strasbourg Chapel, which may be decommissioned in the coming years, and a city-owned lot across from the library. The council members expressed support for the idea but raised concerns about funding and the necessity of a concrete plan before pursuing donations or grants.

Council members discussed the importance of having a design and a clear vision for the proposed center to attract potential donors. They acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach to fundraising and community involvement, emphasizing that a well-structured plan would facilitate the acquisition of necessary resources.

The meeting concluded with council members expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Historical Society and Arts Council, recognizing their contributions to preserving Highland's heritage and fostering a vibrant arts community. The council encouraged ongoing dialogue and collaboration as the organizations move forward with their plans.