Free group tours to sites

The Historic Preservation Office will be offering free tours to groups upon request during the observance of Historic Preservation Week on May 22-31.

HPO Director Pedro Sablan Jr., along with the rest of his staff, led the proclamation signing, with Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos issuing the declaration in the absence of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial. Last year’s theme, “This Place Matters,” will be adopted again this year due to popular demand.

Archeologist Ronnie Rogers said they would also provide maps and directions to those who prefer self-guided tours.

In preparation for this year’s activities, HPO staff cleaned several sites around Saipan, Rogers said.

Presentations will be also offered to various schools, also by request.

Another highlight is a presentation on the cultural resources of Kalabera Cave, scheduled to be held last night, May 20, at the American Memorial Park. Invited speakers were Genevieve Cabrera and Marilyn Swift.

Cabrera is a former staff historian with HPO and knowledgeable about the cultural resources at the cave while Swift is with the Saipan-based Swift and Harper Archeological Resources Consulting that had done scientific analysis in the area.

Other historical sites are House of Taga on Tinian, Bapot Archeological Site in LaoLao Bay, Sailing Proas LaoLao Kattan, Camp Susupe Interment Center, Japanese Hospital, As Nieves Quarry, Waherak Maihar, Managaha Island, 20mm Cannon Pill Box, Invasion Beaches, Seaplane Ramp, Convento Rota, and Mochong Latte Village.

The proclamation underscored the importance of understanding the role of history in CNMI people’s lives. It also appreciates the contributions made by individuals who preserve the heritage that shaped the CNMI as a people.

“The protection and preservation of these sites, buildings and landscapes provide educational, scientific and economic benefits for the CNMI citizens,” the proclamation said.

HPO staff Ton Guerrero read the English translation of the proclamation while executive director David Omar of the Chamorro-Carolinian Language Policy Commission read the Carolinian translation. Community youth leader Herman Tudela read the Chamorro translation.

HPO, under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, was created to educate the public about the disciplines of archeology and historic preservation.

In 1949, the National Trust Historic Preservation was founded as a non-profit non-government organization that promotes preservation of cultural resources through individual and community efforts.

Rogers said it took about 30 years before the first Historic Preservation Week was held in 1973, making it a national celebration.