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Historic Preservation Month

Celebrate Historic Preservation Month!

May is National Historic Preservation Month. This year’s theme from the National Trust for Historic Preservation is “People Saving Places,” and Florida’s efforts will focus on historic resource survey, the primary tool for identifying and gathering data on a community’s resources and helping to place those resources in local, state, and national context.  

“Identifying historic resources at the local level is critical to understanding Florida’s history,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “The historic resource survey is the fundamental building block of historic preservation. National Historic Preservation Month is the perfect opportunity to emphasize the importance of historic resource surveys in documenting places that are important to all Floridians.” 

 

How to Participate

A list of Preservation Month events can be found below.

Floridians can participate in this year’s National Historic Preservation Month efforts in the state by documenting historic resources in their own communities using the online form located here.

Using the form, citizens can supply basic information about historic structures, such as their location, history, and photographic documentation of the resource. This effort aims to increase awareness about how historic resources in Florida are recorded and entered into the Florida Master Site File.

In recent years, organizations throughout Florida communities have received grants from the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) to conduct historic resource surveys. The variety of resources captured by these surveys illustrate the development of communities in the Florida Panhandle region, one of the least surveyed areas in the state.

The information contained with the surveys will now assist local governments in decision making regarding historic resources and future development.   

National Historic Preservation Month 2023 Events: 

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 --Archaeology Tour at Mission San Luis

On March 1, BAR Senior Archaeologist Jerry Lee will lead a guided tour at Mission San Luis. The tour will highlight decades of research, findings, and ongoing archaeological work at the site. The tour begins at 11:00 a.m. and is included with the normal fee for site admission. Mission San Luis is located at 2100 West Tennessee Street, in Tallahassee, Florida. 

Wednesday, May 10, 2023--Storytime at The Grove Museum 

This monthly program features read-aloud books and hands-on activities geared towards families with children ages 8 and under. May’s historic preservation-themed program is free, open to the public, and starts at 10:00 a.m. The Grove Museum is located at 902 North Monroe Street, in Tallahassee, Florida. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/3442713169376472

Saturday, May 13, 2023--BHP at the Downtown Market

On May 13, staff from the Bureau of Historic Preservation will be at the Tallahassee Downtown Market from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. sharing information about the importance of National Historic Preservation Month. Staff will also offer a guided walking tour of downtown historic sites, focusing on their preservation stories. The tour starts at 11:00 a.m. and begins at Downtown Market, which is located on Park Avenue between Adams Street and Monroe Street in Tallahassee, Florida. The guided tour and the Downtown Market are free and open to the public.  

https://www.facebook.com/events/1461193324651126

Saturday, May 13, 2023--2nd Saturday Family Program 

The Museum of Florida History is partnering with the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library system to offer their popular Second Saturday Family Programs at local branch libraries. On May 13, the Museum Educator-led program will take place at the Main Branch Library, 200 West Park Avenue, in Tallahassee, Florida, starting at 11:00 a.m., and includes a historic preservation-themed program and activities for families with children ages 8 and under.  

https://www.facebook.com/events/810306537436120

Wednesday, May 15, 2023--History Happy Hour: Historic Preservation Month The Grove Museum

History Happy Hour is your chance to visit The Grove Museum after hours to enjoy conversation about topics in American history and historic preservation.
On May 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., John Grandage, DHR Director of Public Engagement & Historic Site Development, will offer a guided walking tour focusing on how historical research and historic preservation help inform historic site interpretation at The Grove Museum. The Grove Museum is located at 902 North Monroe Street, in Tallahassee, Florida. This is a ticketed program for adults ages 21+. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit: https://TheGroveMuseum.com/History-Happy-Hour/

Saturday, May 20, 2023--20th of May: Emancipation in Florida 

The annual 20th of May: Emancipation in Florida commemoration recognizes the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee, Florida, on May 20, 1865, two years after it was first issued by President Abraham Lincoln.

Commemorative events include a Civil War Grave Decorating Service at Old City Cemetery, remarks by Secretary Byrd and Dr. Aron Myers, Executive Director of the John G. Riley Center & Museum; a historical reenactment by Frederick Douglass reenactor John Anderson; musical performances by the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and a free lunch. Click here for a schedule of 20th of May events.

Tuesday, May 23, 2023--History at High Noon

On May 23, Ruben Acosta, Chief of the Bureau of Historic Preservation, will discuss the importance of historic resource survey, including the history of the preservation movement in the United States and how local communities can participate in and benefit from documenting historic resources. This program is part of the Museum of Florida History’s History at High Noon Lecture Series and will take place at the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, in Tallahassee, Florida, starting at 12:00 p.m.  https://www.facebook.com/events/237294115645142 

Other Preservation Month Events Around the State

 

Historic Preservation in Florida 

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, and archaeological resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Main Street program. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of three bureaus – Archaeological Research, Historic Preservation, and Historical Museums. 

National Historic Preservation Month is a campaign led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. DHR uses this initiative as an opportunity to showcase ways in which the division works year-round to promote and protect Florida’s historic places, including cemeteries. Historic preservation improves our quality of life and contributes to our understanding of each other and the diverse heritage of our state. Preservation of historic sites and properties also benefits Florida’s economy, drawing locals and visitors to support their favorite local venues and historic places.

Connect with Us on Social Media!

To find out more about other events and programs taking place throughout the state during Historic Preservation Month, find us on Facebook Florida Division of Historical ResourcesFlorida Main Street ProgramThe Museum of Florida History, The Grove Museum, and Mission San Luis.

The Division of Historical Resources also has an Instagram! Tag @flheritage and join the conversation by using #PreservationMonthFL.

 

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