#ThisPlaceMattersHsv Campaign Goes All Digital for Historic Preservation Month
Published on May 1, 2020
To celebrate and preserve Huntsville’s historic structures and heritage while practicing safe social distancing, the City of Huntsville and Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission (HHPC) will launch an all-digital #ThisPlaceMattersHsv campaign in May.
The campaign will run during National Historic Preservation Month, an annual observance spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This will be the fourth consecutive year Huntsville has celebrated with a campaign for Rocket City citizens and fans.
Because more people are staying home to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the #ThisPlaceMatterHsv campaign will look a little different compared to previous years. Instead of convening for in-person events, the City will host interactive content on HuntsvilleAL.gov and through social media.
“We didn’t want to miss an opportunity to foster the awareness and appreciation of the historic places that matter in our community,” City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps said. “I am thankful that social media allows us to safely connect with each other to share the importance of historic preservation and community heritage.”
#ThisPlaceMattersHsv
For four weeks in May, the City will spotlight a variety of beloved historic sites, from civic buildings and businesses to schools and houses of worship. Follow HHPC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for daily photos and information on historic assets in our community.
The City will also feature a historic community space on City Blog and in a live social media interview each week. HHPC encourages residents to join the conversation online with the hashtag #ThisPlaceMattersHsv.
Mayor Tommy Battle said this year’s campaign highlights the critical role history and historic places play in the growth and progress of Huntsville.
“Historic preservation has always been a priority for the City of Huntsville,” he said. “Now more than ever, we look to our history to better understand where we’ve been and where we’re going and #ThisPlaceMattersHsv helps us do that.”
Walkabouts Encouraged
Although this year’s effort is all online, residents can still get outside and enjoy Huntsville’s historic structures – 6 feet apart. While social distancing at the places that matter to you, feel free to share your photos and videos with us by using the hashtag #ThisPlaceMattersHsv.
HHPC will feature a live interview with City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps on May 1 at 2 p.m. on HHPC’s Facebook page.
For more information about HHPC, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/preservation.