planning

Susan Atherton Hanson, working with Valenzuela Preservation Studio, Volz & Associates and Lisa E. Worley, developed an interpretive master plan for the Starr Family Home State Historic Site in Marshall, Texas. The site consists of three, Reconstruction-era historic homes and a number of outbuildings in an urban setting, which had belonged to the Starr family until transferred to the State of Texas. The Starr family operated a successful land agent business in the state of Texas beginning in the 1860s. In addition to developing the plan, the team planned and facilitated two meetings, two staff workshops and a day-long stakeholders meeting with interested community members.

Major components of the final interpretive plan included:

• Development of interpretive themes and goals
• Collections use and recommendations
• Exhibit design concepts and recommendations
• Identification of physical resources
• Recommendations for restoration (by interpretive theme/goal)
• Development of learning, behavioral and emotional objectives
• Programming and event planning recommendations
• Audience evaluation and market profiles
• Cost estimates for programs, exhibits, and site-related items