During the pandemic, everyone experienced change that forced organizations to think creatively about longterm solutions rather than short-term fixes. The Heritage Association of San Marcos has been re-imagining its organization over the last two years to clearly define its structure to better contribute to the community moving forward.
The Heritage Association of San Marcos is a nonprofit organization chartered in 1975 to support the preservation of buildings, historic sites and archives and to perpetuate traditions that beautify and enrich the community life of this city. The association grew out of the San Marcos Bicentennial Commission, which was formed in 1972 to plan and coordinate the city’s celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. San Marcos was one of the first seven cities in the country to receive the National Bicentennial City designation.
Preservation efforts have included Veramendi Plaza Park since 1972 when the Federal Urban Renewal Agency transferred this undeveloped area to the City Bicentennial Commission, which soon became the Heritage Association. Thus began the drive to protect and preserve these three acres as the historic centerpiece of the town.
