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 #SavingPlaces and #PreservationMonth on your preferred social media platforms to join the national conversation.
2026 HUNTSVILLE HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH CAMPAIGN
Huntsville’s 2026 Historic Preservation Month aligns with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s national Preservation Month initiative, which encourages communities to celebrate places that matter and deepen public understanding of our collective heritage. This year, Huntsville embraces the national call to “Tell the Full Story of America” by focusing on Indigenous history—the stories, landscapes and cultural legacies of the Native peoples who lived in this region long before settlers arrived.
Throughout the month, residents will be invited to explore:
- The cultural and historical importance of these landscapes to Indigenous peoples
- Oral histories, perspectives and lived experiences shared directly by Indigenous community members
- Ways modern tribes continue to steward, reclaim and celebrate traditional lifeways
- How these stories reshape and enrich Huntsville’s understanding of its early past
By merging education, celebration and preservation, this year’s campaign helps ensure that Huntsville’s story—America’s story—is told fully, truthfully and with respect to those who first called this land home.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PorchFest Five Points
Saturday, May 2, 3-9 p.m.
Porches along 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
Thursday, May 7, 5:30 p.m. & Saturday, May 16, 10 a.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!
Telling the Full Story of America: Celebrating Indigenous stories and places in Huntsville
Thursday, May 21, 5:30-7 p.m., Huntsville City Hall (6th floor)
Join us for a panel discussion on land stewardship, oral traditions and modern Indigenous identity and history in Huntsville, as well as a live storytelling performance by Indigenous artists and informational displays on Huntsville’s Indigenous culture. Free to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
Preservation Happy Hour
Wednesday, May 27, 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 27. 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.
