Help Old Town Bluffton preserve its history

As part of an effort to create a historic resources record of Old Town, the town of Bluffton is asking the public to submit stories and events that may be historically significant.

The town has hired professional historians and architectural historians from Stantec Consulting to take inventory of still-standing resources in Old Town built in or before 1986. From Sept. 8-12, historians will photograph buildings, note architectural details and map Old Town properties to get an idea of what’s there to create a blueprint for the future.

“By creating a complete, accurate inventory of historic resources in Old Town, we can better protect them, plan future preservation projects and ensure Bluffton’s heritage is honored for generations to come,” Bluffton historic preservationist Glen Umberger said in an email. “Knowing what we have is the first step toward making sure it is protected.”

The public is encouraged to submit Old Town stories, places, people or events for the historical record to BlufftonHistory@stantec.com. The idea is to highlight things historians may have ignored in the past. Submissions are open until Sept. 5.

“Your insight will help ensure the survey reflects the full story of our community,” Umberger said.

The town’s Historic Preservation Commission will meet Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. to discuss this further. After the survey is completed, its results and recommendations will be presented at the commission’s meeting on February 4, 2026.

Old Town Bluffton was admitted to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It currently has more than 80 contributing historic assets, including buildings and natural resources.