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May 1 marks the beginning of National Preservation Month – a time to celebrate and honor the preservation of our country's historical, cultural, and natural treasures. This month-long celebration was first established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1973 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our past for future generations. From historic sites and landmarks to natural landscapes, there are countless reasons to appreciate and protect these valuable assets. So let's take some time this month to learn more about preservation efforts and find ways to get involved in our own communities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Preservation Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Trust for Historic Preservation establishes Preservation Week, a precursor to the current month-long celebration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Presidential Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Jimmy Carter issues the first presidential proclamation recognizing National Preservation Week.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Preservation Month Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Trust for Historic Preservation expands the celebration from a week to an entire month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Revolution in Preservation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The scope of National Preservation Month expands to acknowledge digital historical preservation with the increasing use of technology.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Focus on Community Involvement</div><div class='timeline-text'>Emphasizing community involvement, the "This Place Matters" social media campaign is launched to highlight local preservation efforts.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a historic walking tour</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Explore your local area and learn about its rich history by taking a historic walking tour. This is a great way to appreciate and preserve the unique landmarks and buildings in your community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a preservation project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get involved in preserving your community by volunteering for a preservation project. This could be anything from helping to restore an old building to participating in a neighborhood clean-up event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local history lecture or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Expand your knowledge about the history of your community by attending a local history lecture or event. Many organizations and communities host events during National Preservation Month to educate the public about their unique heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create art inspired by local landmarks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and use your artistic talents to celebrate and preserve local landmarks. This could be through painting, drawing, photography, or any other medium that inspires you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a community preservation event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bring your community together by hosting a preservation event. This could be a neighborhood cleanup, a fundraiser for a local preservation project, or even a walking tour of historic homes in the area.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preservation reminds us of our history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Preservation Month is a time to reflect on the importance of protecting and conserving our historical landmarks, buildings, and artifacts. These are not just objects - they represent the stories and events that have shaped our society and deserve to be preserved for future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preservation fosters community pride</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By preserving our local landmarks and historical sites, we are also promoting a sense of community pride. These places hold special meaning to those who live in the area and preserving them can help bring people together and create a stronger sense of place.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preservation has economic benefits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Preserving historic sites can also have economic benefits. It can attract tourists, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses. Additionally, preserving these sites can also help revitalize older neighborhoods and maintain property values in an area.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Over 100,000 Historic Sites on the National Register</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the United States alone, there are over 100,000 places listed in the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing the vast importance of preservation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Preservation Often Involves Diverse Fields of Expertise </h3><p class='facts-content'>National Preservation Month underscores the interdisciplinary nature of preservation that often involves architects, historians, archaeologists, and other skilled professionals working together.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Countries Around The World Have Similar Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the US observes National Preservation Month, many other countries have equivalent celebrations highlighting their unique cultural heritage and preservation efforts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Preservation Goes Beyond Buildings</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Preservation Month also emphasizes the preservation of intangible cultural heritage such as oral traditions, performing arts, and traditional craftsmanship.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Preservation Plays a Crucial Role in Sustainability </h3><p class='facts-content'>Preserving and reusing existing structures is often more energy-efficient than constructing new ones, playing an essential role in sustainable development and green building practices.</p></div></div>
National Preservation Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024 National Preservation Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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