As the Plano Conservancy celebrates its 20th Anniversary, we thought we’d introduce readers to the folks who have contributed over the years. Meet Amy Sandling Crawford, Amy served on the Plano Conservancy Board of Directors and was also a co-author on our book, Football and Integration in Plano, Texas: Stay in there, Wildcats!
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I grew up in Plano, and my parents still live here in the home of my childhood. I returned to the city after a short time away studying journalism at the University of North Texas in Denton. I have worked in public relations and marketing for more than 20 years and enjoy writing and reading. I love spending time with my husband Ben and our teen daughter Elizabeth and exploring Plano (and beyond!) with them.
When did you start volunteering at the Conservancy?
When our daughter was a toddler, I took her to story time at the Interurban Railway Museum. There, I met many wonderful Conservancy volunteers and then co-directors Maggie Sprague and Russ Kissick. Not long after that, they asked for my help with some marketing and creative projects for the group. Shortly after that, I was asked to join the board of directors.
What have been some of your favorite events and activities?
Several things stand out in my mind…seeing the work the Conservancy has done in our city’s cemeteries is truly inspiring. Even though I grew up here, I didn’t really understand the significance of our city’s historic cemeteries and know the stories of those buried there. It was interesting to learn those stories and discover the passion of those active in that work. Helping with the Conservancy’s archaeology fairs and other events was great fun, but the thing I enjoyed the most was helping to develop the character of Eugene the Motor Mouse for the Interurban Railway Museum. Finding ways to help children become interested in reading and learning history is important to me. Eugene is a vehicle for that. Similarly, I enjoyed helping to develop the museum’s field trip programs, cemetery scavenger hunt and other programs that foster a love of history and learning in some of our youngest residents. It was also a tremendous honor and pleasure to co-author the book “Football and Integration in Plano, Texas” with Jeff Campbell and Kirby Stokes.
Who are some of the volunteers or board members you have enjoyed working with over the years?
Oh my goodness, there are so many! Seeing Russ and Maggie’s love for our city and historic preservation started it all, but discovering Candace Fountoulakis’ love for historic cemeteries, watching the museum’s volunteer motormen delight guests, experiencing story time at the museum with Genie, Eugene and others…there are so many fond memories!
As the organization enters it’s third decade, what’s a project the Conservancy should consider?
Continue to find new and innovative ways to the tell the stories of Plano to our residents and others. No matter if you grew up here or are new to our area, there is so much about Plano to learn and explore. The Conservancy has employed many methods and used various resources to tell the well-known and lesser-known stories of Plano to all ages. Keep doing that…and keep finding new ways to tell those tales, so we can continue to share the vibrant history of this city with the next generations and beyond.
The Plano Conservancy at the Interurban 