Historic preservation staff wins grant for downtown QR-code tour; photo contest and Smithsonian exhibit draw public programming

Angola Historic Preservation Commission staff said a grant will fund QR-code placards and audio recordings for about 10 downtown historic locations, enabling an accessible walking tour and placard content hosted on the commission and Main Street websites.

The staff presentation said the project will place placards in shop windows (not affixed to historic fabric), include audio descriptions to assist people with visual impairments, and support a downtown walking-tour opening event. Staff also reported recent tours for school groups and said volunteers and partners will help conduct future guided visits.

Separately, the Carnegie Public Library is hosting the traveling Smithsonian exhibit 'Voices and Votes' through May 9; staff reported a successful run of school tours and scheduled reenactments. The commission encouraged board members and the public to promote and attend the exhibit.

The commission also announced that Trine University will manage the commission’s historic preservation photo contest. The contest is open to the public in three categories (color, black‑and‑white and youth under 18). Entries must depict subjects inside Steuben County that are at least 50 years old; the deadline is May 19 and winners will be announced May 22. Winners grant the commission permission to use images for promotion; prizes include gift baskets donated by Angola Main Street.

Staff asked members to send school and community contacts to help increase contest submissions and to share details for group tours of the exhibit and upcoming walking-tour events.