City communications director presents outreach plan; commission adopts “Time Travel Tuesday” social series

Maggie Aguilar, communications officer for the City of Oak Harbor, presented a proposed outreach and engagement plan to the Historic Preservation Commission and outlined three short-video and social-media concepts aimed at raising awareness of the commission’s work. After discussion, the commission voted to adopt the weekly “Time Travel Tuesday” social media feature.

Aguilar told commissioners she had heard from community members that many people do not know what the Historic Preservation Commission does and that a goal of the outreach plan is to “raise awareness” and “educate the public about the historical landmarks, buildings, events” by encouraging user-generated content, photos and short videos. She described three initial concepts: “What’s in your attic?” (user-submitted artifacts and photos), “Then and now” before-and-after photos and a “Behind closed doors” series showcasing places not normally open to the public.

Commissioners discussed feasibility and content-sourcing. One commissioner urged a plan for official submissions and backups so staff would have material if user submissions were slow; another suggested asking the Island County Historical Society and local businesses for photos. A motion to adopt the “Time Travel Tuesday” concept carried on a voice vote.

Aguilar said the city can host content on the municipal Facebook page and that regular posting (for example, a fixed weekly time) will help build recognition. The commission discussed basic submission logistics — an email address and a posting cadence — and asked staff to follow up on how residents should submit photos and stories.

The commission instructed staff to proceed with implementation planning so the initiative can be launched and sustained.