PRESERVATION MONTH RECOGNIZES OUR NATION’S DIVERSE CULTURAL HERITAGE

May is dedicated to National Preservation Month–a celebration of our nation’s heritage through historic places with organizations across the country promote a variety of activities on the local, state and national levels.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973 at the suggestion of Donald T. Sheehan, a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Advisory Committee. A Joint Congressional Resolution was introduced on February 15, 1973, with President Richard Nixon signing the resolution into law on May 5, 1973.

First Lady Patricia Nixon, read the Presidential proclamation at the National Trust awards luncheon on May 8th:

“As the pace of change accelerates in the world around us, Americans more than ever need a lively awareness of our roots and origins in the past on which to base our sense of identity in the present and our directions for the future.”

In 2005, the National Trust extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states. With the onset of COVID-19 and stay at home orders nationwide, participation in 2020 turns toward virtual experiences.

PRESERVATION MONTH IN HAWAI‘I  

Here in Hawai‘i we are uniquely rooted in native Hawaiian culture with a strong relationship with place. Preserving our state’s diverse historic and cultural resources is a kuleana shared by many individuals, groups and public and private entities.

Throughout May, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation invites you on a journey of discovery highlighting the “wahi pana”, or storied places, of the Hawaiian Islands and the people, projects and programs that protect and preserve them. Throughout May, we’ll feature 2020 Preservation Award honorees, our partner grant recipients, virtual heritage tourism tours and more on our blog, E-news and social media.

Sign up for the HHF E-news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter  and Instagram for the latest Preservation Month news.

Above photo left to right: Hanapēpē County Bridge, Kaua‘i; Hāmākua Jodo Mission Cemetery, Paʻāuhau, Hawai‘i Island; Loko ‘Eā Fishpond, Hale‘iwa , O‘ahu; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai‘i Island