La Porte preservation panel welcomes new members, outlines committees and upcoming workshops and tours

The City of La Porte Historic Preservation Commission used part of its Jan. 27 meeting to introduce new members and set committee assignments for 2026, reaffirming a city directive to prioritize education and outreach.

Blake Swihart of Indiana Landmarks introduced himself as director of the Northwest Field Office in Valparaiso and said he oversees eight counties and will try to fill in for a previous representative. Swihart invited commission members to participate in upcoming Indiana Landmarks activities and noted volunteers would be contacted about events such as the annual 'Logs to Lustron' house tour in May.

New commission member Mitchell Espinosa said he has a bachelor’s in history, a master’s in library science, works at the La Porte County Public Library and volunteers with the Historical Society, doing archival and digital‑archive work. Laura, another member introduced later in the meeting, said she grew up locally, lives in a Sears kit home neighborhood near Lily Lake and offered to support research and outreach.

The chair outlined the commission’s committees — education, outreach, designation, coloring book (a program that distributes a La Porte County coloring book to third graders), and the Sunflower Fair — and asked members to choose or lead committees. Bruce Johnson was noted as leading the coloring book project, which is in its sixth year.

Announcements: a member said a Venetian plaster workshop is planned (date pending, possibly March). Blake (Indiana Landmarks) described the 'Logs to Lustron' tour — a guided driving tour of historic properties that will include about six properties this year — and invited volunteers to help guide guests and explain house histories.

Why it matters: committee assignments and volunteer coordination determine which programs move forward this year, including youth outreach, neighborhood signage and volunteer‑led historic house tours.