Historic Preservation Month to Spotlight Culturally Significant Attractions
Published on April 29, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected a number of historic and culturally significant sites that normally hosted thousands of locals and visitors each year. With that in mind, this year’s Historic Preservation Month campaign – Saving Places – is designed to show appreciation to those places that provide definitive glimpses of Huntsville’s 210-year history.
Because this year’s effort is a mix of tourist and historic destinations, the Saving Places campaign offers a way for the public to get involved by simply paying a visit, either physically or virtually, to any one of the featured sites.
“Huntsville recognizes that museums and archives help preserve our history and educate the community about its diverse heritage,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “We want to honor and recognize the contributions of the places that have been instrumental in preserving our history and sharing that history with the community.”
Points of interest
Historic homes to be featured include the Weeden and Lowry houses. The Weeden House dates back to 1819, while the Lowry House was built in 1850. Both have become popular for both educational field trips as well as private functions.
Other places to be featured include the Veterans Memorial Museum, H.C. Blake Art & History Center, Alabama State Black Archives, U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Museum of Art, and Burritt on the Mountain, among others.
Each week in May, these sites will be highlighted via insightful blog posts on City Blog and Facebook Live tours. Facebook Live tours will be broadcast on the City of Huntsville Facebook page.
“These places make history come alive and we can learn from them in ways that are uniquely fun and engaging,” said Katie Stamps, Huntsville’s Preservation Planner. “While some of our museums and archives have weathered closures and layoffs due to COVID-19, there are plenty of places still open for business. We look forward to the day when all of these special places are open for us to enjoy.”
Despite this year’s virtual observance, residents can still get outside and enjoy Huntsville’s historic structures – 6 feet apart. In-person events coinciding with Historic Preservation Month will include Five Points Porch Fest (May 8), the unveiling of a historic marker at the YMCA on Lincoln Street (May 19) and the Historic Huntsville Foundation Preservation Awards (May 26).
About Historic Preservation Month
Historic Preservation Month is celebrated nationally each 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.
The National Trust shares historic preservation content each year during a monthlong campaign 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.
Social love
While social distancing at the places that matter to you, be sure to share your photos and videos with us by using the hashtag #SavingPlacesHSV. Learn more by following the hashtag #SavingPlacesHSV and visiting HHPC’s Facebook and Instagram.
