National Preservation Month

National Preservation Month: Celebrating Our Heritage

National Preservation Month is an annual observance dedicated to promoting and celebrating historic preservation efforts across the United States. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage, historic buildings, and significant landmarks that tell the story of our nation’s past.

Quick Facts

When is it?: May
Tagged as: Preservation Month
What’s the hashtag?: #PreservationMonth
When was it founded?: 1973
Who founded it?: National Trust for Historic Preservation

History of National Preservation Month

National Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. It was proposed by Donald T. Sheehan, a member of the Trustees Advisory Committee on Membership & Public Relations, as a means to connect local and state preservation efforts to the national movement. In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended the celebration to the entire month of May, officially establishing it as Preservation Month.

Timeline

1973: First National Preservation Week celebrated from May 6-12
2005: National Trust extends the celebration to the entire month of May
2019: The theme “This Place Matters” is introduced to emphasize the importance of preserving local heritage
2022: “People Saving Places” becomes the theme, focusing on community involvement in preservation efforts
2025: Preservation Month continues to grow, with increased participation from local communities and organizations

National Preservation Month Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 1-31	Thursday
2026	May 1-31	Friday
2027	May 1-31	Saturday
2028	May 1-31	Monday
2029	May 1-31	Tuesday
2030	May 1-31	Wednesday

Observed National Preservation Month

National Preservation Month is observed across the United States through various events, activities, and initiatives. Local preservation groups, state historical societies, and civic organizations participate by organizing tours of historic sites, hosting workshops on preservation techniques, and conducting educational programs.

Many communities use this month to showcase their unique cultural heritage and promote heritage tourism. This not only helps to preserve important historical sites but also contributes to local economies by attracting visitors interested in exploring the nation’s rich history.

Preservation Month also serves as an opportunity for individuals and communities to reflect on the importance of protecting and maintaining historic places that tell the story of their local and national identity.

Fun Facts About National Preservation Month

The first National Preservation Week coincided with the National Trust’s annual award luncheon.
President Richard Nixon signed the resolution establishing National Preservation Week on May 5, 1973.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation was chartered by Congress in 1949.
Historic preservation efforts have saved countless buildings and sites from demolition, including iconic landmarks like Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
Many states and cities issue their own proclamations to recognize Preservation Month locally.

Quiz

In which year did National Preservation Month begin as a week-long celebration?
Who proposed the idea of National Preservation Week?
What organization extended Preservation Week to a full month?
What was the theme of Preservation Month in 2022?
Which U.S. President signed the resolution establishing National Preservation Week?

(Answers: 1. 1973, 2. Donald T. Sheehan, 3. National Trust for Historic Preservation, 4. “People Saving Places”, 5. Richard Nixon)

FAQs

What is the purpose of National Preservation Month?
National Preservation Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historic places and cultural heritage.

How can I participate in National Preservation Month?
You can participate by visiting local historic sites, attending preservation events, or volunteering with local preservation organizations.

Are there any specific themes for National Preservation Month?
Themes vary by year, with recent examples including “This Place Matters” and “People Saving Places.”

Does National Preservation Month only focus on buildings?
No, it encompasses various aspects of cultural heritage, including landscapes, artifacts, and traditions.

How does historic preservation benefit communities?
Historic preservation can boost local economies through heritage tourism, create jobs, and foster a sense of community identity and pride.

Importance of National Preservation Month

National Preservation Month plays a crucial role in educating the public about the value of historic preservation. It helps communities understand the significance of their local heritage and the importance of protecting it for future generations.

This annual observance also serves as a catalyst for preservation efforts, encouraging individuals and organizations to take action in saving and maintaining historic places. It highlights the economic benefits of preservation, including job creation, increased property values, and tourism revenue.

Furthermore, National Preservation Month fosters a sense of community pride and identity by celebrating the unique character and stories of different localities across the nation. It reminds us that our built environment is a tangible link to our past and an essential part of our cultural legacy.