William A. Dodge has been recognized by the Albuquerque Historical Society with a posthumous Albuquerque History Accolade for his dedication to the preservation of historically significant neighborhoods of Albuquerque.
Bill’s varied career included working as an archaeologist for the Arizona State Museum and the Pueblo of Zuni, and as a Cultural Resources Specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Service. Bill worked in the private sector as senior cultural historian with Van Citters Historic Preservation, and as a consulting historian to the City of Albuquerque. He also served on the city’s Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission. Bill was a frequent author of neighborhood reports and National Register of Historic Places nominations for Albuquerque neighborhoods. Bill’s efforts on an Urban Enhancement grant through AHS for “The Story of Vista Larga Addition: An Example of Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Albuquerque” led to the neighborhood historic district’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The work included a pamphlet, map, and is published on the AHS web page “Vista Larga Mid-Century Modern Residential Historic District“. Bill also guided the Parkland Hills Historic District’s acceptance to the National Register of Historic Places. He prepared a report for the Register on “Historic and Architectural Resources of Central Albuquerque, 1880-1970.” in 2012. In 2013, he was the main author of “A Survey of Albuquerque’s Mid-Century Modernist Architectural Resources” prepared for the City Planning Department.
Bill was very active in Historic Albuquerque Inc. and served as the Secretary of the Board. He was also active in the Albuquerque Historical Society, again serving on the Board of Directors. Bill’s professional background made him specifically well-suited to represent the Albuquerque Historical Society on National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 filings for new communications towers. He thoroughly reviewed each notification, and his tireless efforts ensured new construction would not have an adverse effect on significant historic properties.
A sought-after speaker, Bill presented his work on the Parkland Hills Addition to AHS in 2019, and the development of Albuquerque’s Downtown in 2015. In 2021, Bill collaborated with GAAR (Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors) to produce a History of Albuquerque that spanned from the arrival of the railroad to the 1980s. A Brief History of Albuquerque Housing Development & Architectural Styles can be found on the GAAR Centennial website. A livestream podcast from 2021 is also available.
AHS is honored to present this Albuquerque History Accolade in the memory of Bill Dodge, and grateful for his efforts on behalf of preserving Albuquerque history.
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