Established over 40 years ago, Preservation New Jersey has had devoted volunteers and employees however for the past ten years one person has been a constant presence, both as employee and before that as a volunteer. We’d like to congratulate our Business Manager, Dale Perry, on her decade of employment at PNJ!
Dale began volunteering with Preservation New Jersey in 2007, helping out in the office and at events. When she accepted a staff position in 2015, she began to learn more about non-profit administration. She says, “Over these ten years, I’ve been fortunate to work with or meet preservationists, architects, historians, planners, and non-profit professionals who have shared their knowledge with me so I could better serve the board, our donors, and the public."
Dale has an AA in General Business, a BA in History/Political Science with supplemental courses in Non-Profit Management. She is also a Certified Copyeditor and licensed Real Estate Referral Agent. Employed for 34 years with the State of New Jersey, Dale worked in the Division of Criminal Justice taking an early retirement in 2012.
Dale’s interest in preservation came from her father. “We lived mid-way between Washington Crossing, NJ and the City of Trenton, on the land that the Revolutionary War Troops marched after the Christmas Night crossing of the Delaware River in 1776,” she recalls. “My father took me to all the local historic sites, as well as walks through the surrounding woods and fields explaining the importance of history to me and encouraging me to imagine living during those times.” Dale is also related to William Pedrick (1868-1927), an artist who painted works based on the history of the Trenton area.
Dale says, “While I always have had an interest in historic preservation, it wasn’t until a building I was involved with was in danger of demolition that I understood the multitude of issues that surround preservation and reuse of sites. I also met many people who were more inclined to demolish than restore and reuse.” Dale believes New Jersey has such a wealth of buildings and land that not only are architecturally and environmentally important but tells this country’s history in a tangible way. Understanding the diversity in New Jersey’s population, culture, and architecture, Dale says that progress should never result in demolishing the past.
As for the future? Dales sees two challenges for preservation and this organization. First, she is concerned with how to find volunteers in a culture where volunteerism is a quickly disappearing virtue performed only as a requirement. “Changing that mindset is the first hurdle,” she says. “And secondly, I believe that there should be a way to reach to our local schools starting at elementary level through high school that brings interest to historic preservation at an early age. Our younger population is the future. These students should discover the fun part of history and preservation so as they grow older can still be a part of almost any career they pursue – whether in real estate, architecture, interior design, the arts, writing, research – the list is endless.”
In addition to history, Dale’s interests include gardening, crafts, playing the piano and writing. “I am incredibly thankful for my work years with PNJ and the ability to (finally) use my all of my education!” She adds, “On a personal note, I am also a writer. In 2017 I published My Bowie Story a compilation of 85 stories written by David Bowie fans from around the world who had special moments with Bowie during his career. All proceeds are donated to charity.”
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