Over the weekend the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization voted to officially recognize the Spanish Missions of San Antonio, including the Alamo, as a World Heritage Site. It is the first Texas site found to be of"outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity" by the international body.
The announcement brings to a close more than two years of work by city and county government, the National Parks Service, the Catholic church, and the San Antonio Congressional delegation to bring the honor home along with the increased economic impact predicted from increased visitors to the sites.
What happens now?
Guests:
- Fr. David Garcia, Catholic Priest and director of the Old Spanish Missions of San Antonio
- William Dupont, professor of Architecture at the University of Texas San Antonio who specializes in historic preservation
- Sarah Gould, researcher at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures