Projects

In 2007, with support from a PRESERVE AMERICA Grant (administered by the National Park Service), the Tribe and FAHF began the creation of a new Master Plan for the Fort Apache National Register Historic District. The plan, including stabilization, preservation, interpretation, visitor use, and economic development components, will be completed this year.

In partnership with the Tribe’s Construction Office and with funding through a PL 93-638 Contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Foundation is providing management assistance for preliminary rehabilitation of Building 104, the Commanding Officer’s Quarters (COQ), and Building 116, the Boys’ Dorm. As this project draws to a close in fall 2009, we have accomplished much:

 

  • mitigation of environmental hazards in both buildings
  • replacement of the Dorm roof and structural reinforcement of the roof framing
  • replacement of the Dorm's exterior doors and window glass
  • repair of the Dorm's exterior mortar and stucco
  • installation of Dorm electrical and security systems
  • comprehensive replacement of the COQ electrical and mechanical systems
  • removal of non-contributing adaptations in the interior of the COQ
  • replacement of failed flooring in the COQ
The Foundation's Preservation and Facilities staff hosted an adobe preservation workshop in July 2009, training Foundation employees and National Park Service guests in the traditional manufacture of adobe blocks and the construction of adobe walls.  Workshop participants played a key role in the replacement of a failed wall in the Quartermaster's Storehouse.
 
The Facilities staff has also completed repairs to one half of Junior Officer's Quarters 110 making it habitable for the first time in several years.  Stabilization of the remaining half will continue this fall and winter.  We have also begun planning for replacing the roof and securing the Club House (Building 105) this winter and beginning extensive rehabilitation of Teacher's Quarters 112 in 2010. 

 

The Foundation was proud to match funds from the Arizona Humanities Council to support the publication of Nohwigotah/Our Village, a bilingual (English and Ndee Biyati’i [Western Apache]) children’s book created by the Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum and the Cibecue Community School that was released in Spring 2009.  This fall, the Salt River Project generously reprinted the book, providing us with an additional 1,200 copies to distribute to schools, libraries, and others who might learn about Western Apache language and heritage.

Much more is coming as we continue to work with our many funding partners in the revitalization of Fort Apache. Past and continuing support provided by: Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund; the National Endowment for the Humanities; Arizona Office of Tourism; Preserve America; Save America’s Treasures; Arizona Commission on the Arts; Arizona Humanities Council; White Mountain Apache Tribe Permanent Land Restoration Fund; the Boeing Company.

We welcome the participation, ideas, and contributions of people to preserve Fort Apache, increase others’ access to it, and enrich it as location of valuable cultural heritage.