VISUAL SIGNS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE Part II:  Preservation and Application

VISUAL SIGNS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE Part II: Preservation and Application

by Kristin M. Thornton October 07, 2025

Heritage endures when its symbols move beyond recognition into active stewardship. This continuation of The Arc of Stewardship™ explores how icons of land, range, and craft can be cataloged, archived, and ritualized to preserve meaning across generations. From Parker Ranch’s digital archives to Seven Hills Winery’s entrusted records, preservation becomes participation. When heritage is applied with discipline and care, it remains a living guidepost—relevant today, enduring tomorrow.

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VISUAL SIGNS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE Part. I:  Family Marks Rooted in Land, Range and Craft

VISUAL SIGNS OF AMERICAN HERITAGE Part. I: Family Marks Rooted in Land, Range and Craft

by Kristin M. Thornton September 20, 2025

Family heritage is not only preserved by the pen, but also in the marks left on land, herds, and craft — visible emblems of continuity carried across generations. From wine labels and cattle brands to saddlery stamps, silverwork, and bootmaker marks, these signs have long served families as identifiers and continue to do so, exemplified by iconic names such as Wente Vineyards, the King Ranch Running W, G.S. Garcia, and the Evans family’s stewardship of Anderson Bean and Olathe Boots.

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