Saving Places
Learn the history of Huntsville as the City celebrates Historic Preservation Month in May. Spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the observance seeks to heighten awareness about the wonderful buildings and places that are part of our shared history.
During a monthlong campaign, the National Trust shares historic preservation content each year to inspire discussions about preservation, why it’s important and how you can get involved. The campaign further encourages people to share the historic places and spaces that are meaningful to them through social media.
Use the hashtags #ThePowerofPlace and #PreservationMonth on your preferred social media platforms to join the national conversation.
2025 #THEPOWEROFPLACEHSV CAMPAIGN
This year’s National Preservation Month theme is “Harnessing the Power of Place” and the countless ways that preservation creates in communities across the country.
To celebrate learning about preservation and local history, the City is partnering with local organizations and businesses to showcase events and activities you can participate in throughout the month. City Blog articles and social media posts will provide additional context during Preservation Month.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PorchFest Five Points
Saturday, May 3 from 3-9 p.m.
Five porches on Pratt Avenue will host musicians from Huntsville, Nashville and the Shoals for a unique evening of live performances. Bring a blanket, chair and cooler to enjoy the show! Please do not park on Pratt Avenue.
Discover Downtown Huntsville: Guided Walking Tours
Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. & Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Led by City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps, the free Downtown Huntsville Walking Tour brings to life the evolution and history of Huntsville’s downtown commercial district from the City’s earliest settlers to the Space Race and beyond. Attendees will learn about local history, notable citizens and a diverse collection of architectural styles. Central to the tour is how urban renewal impacted Huntsville’s city center and how those changes were a catalyst for national and local preservation movements.
The downtown walking tour begins and ends at the historic First National Bank at 216 West Side Square and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Walking tour participants should bring only what they can carry comfortably (water, sunscreen, light snacks). Spring weather can be unpredictable in Alabama, so dress accordingly!
Then & Now: The Role of Data in Preservation
Thursday, May 15 from 4-6 p.m.
Join the City of Huntsville’s Historic Preservation Planner and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department for an engaging look at how data shapes the future of preservation. As part of Preservation Month, this interactive event will debut the City’s new digital Downtown Huntsville walking tour and Historic Huntsville Image Collection Viewer—a searchable database featuring over 11,000 historic photographs.
Through maps, imagery and interactive web applications, attendees will see firsthand how GIS is helping preserve the “power of place” by cataloging and sharing Huntsville’s rich history. Whether you’re a local history buff, researcher or curious resident, this event will inspire a deeper connection to Huntsville’s past and present.
Preservation Happy Hour
Tuesday, May 20 from 5-7 p.m.
If you are interested in history and preservation and would like to meet and network with like-minded professionals, property owners, advocates and volunteers, come to Baker & Able, the rooftop bar located at 106 Jefferson Hotel, on May 20. Hosted by City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps, this casual event is open to the public and does not require tickets or reservations. Beverages and small plates will be available for purchase.
PARTICIPATE ON SOCIAL
We invite residents to participate on social media by sharing their favorite historic places using the hashtag #PeopleSavingPlacesHsv.
Learn more by following the hashtag #PeopleSavingPlacesHsv and visiting HHPC’s Facebook and Instagram.
