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UF historic-preservation class releases interactive ArcGIS story map for Newberry historic district
Summary
University of Florida historic-preservation students and faculty presented an ArcGIS story map that compiles the 1980s historic-district nomination, the 2023 resource survey and new interpretive materials into a mobile-friendly walking tour and preservation guide.
University of Florida historic-preservation faculty and students unveiled an interactive ArcGIS story map at the April 28 commission meeting that documents Newberry's historic-district resources and offers a walking-tour format for residents and visitors.
"We try to implement field work and service learning in our classes," said Dr. Claire Carr, research assistant professor in the UF historic preservation program, introducing master's student Natalie Cecil. Cecil walked commissioners through the story map, which includes historic context, a timeline, maps showing demolished and extant properties, 360-degree tours, and a section on care for historic masonry.
The story map draws on the 2023 historic resource survey and the 1980s district nomination and is intended to be available via a QR code and hosted on the Newberry Main Street website. Dr. Carr and the students said the material can be updated over time and could be paired with physical QR-code placards near buildings to create an on-site interpretive layer.
Why it matters: The story map aims to make preservation information accessible to the public, support local heritage tourism and provide a resource for property owners and the Historic Architecture Review Board as downtown redevelopment accelerates.
What happens next: The students said the project will be presented to the Historic Architecture Review Board on May 5 for further discussion and will be posted on the Main Street site; staff suggested the city could add printed QR-code placards at selected sites.
