Rosemary Johnson of Astoria has been appointed by Governor Kate Brown to a four-year term on the Oregon Heritage Commission.

Johnson was the Planner and Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Astoria until her retirement in September 2014, after 35 years with the City. She staffed the Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, and Design Review Committee for the City for over 27 years. Johnson currently works as a contract planning consultant for the City of Astoria and serves as a project manager for larger projects such as restoration of the Doughboy Monument and the design and construction of the Scandinavian Heritage Park. Having helped to complete the Astoria Riverfront Vision Plan and implementation of codes for three of the four Riverfront Districts, she is currently working on completing the code implementation for the last Urban Core District. She is also an active volunteer at the Clatsop County Historical Society’s Flavel House Museum.

“I am excited to be part of the Oregon Heritage Commission,” Johnson noted about her appointment. “I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember. I believe we are a product of our past and we need to preserve the history of our State and Nation to help form our future. Preservation is not just preserving structures. It is about people, our cultural history and the built environment.”

“Johnson has engaged with many of the Commission’s programs through her work and brings a wealth of preservation experience to the group,” said Beth Dehn, Heritage Commission Coordinator. “We are pleased to have her on the Heritage Commission.” 

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity. There are also nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations.

The mission of the Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity. For more information, commission coordinator Beth Dehn at 503-986-0696 or Beth.Dehn@Oregon.gov or visit the Commission’s website at www.oregonheritage.org.