Every May, preservation organizations and preservationists alike across the country celebrate National Historic Preservation Month- including us here in Waterford! This is a chance to get out in the community and celebrate the benefits and strengths of historic preservation, and learn more about how to keep it going.
National Historic Preservation Month was started by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1973. This celebration of preservation first started out as National Preservation Week, the first being May 6-12, 1973 as approved by Congress and signed into action by President Richard Nixon. The second week of May was chosen as it would be at the same time as the National Trust’s annual award luncheon. In 2005, the National Trust expanded Preservation Week to Preservation Month to be the entirety of May.
Whether it be a week or a month, May is marked by organizations across the country as a time to celebrate the vast and diverse history and heritage resources in the United States, and the work that goes into keeping that history alive for future generations!
How are We Celebrating Historic Preservation Month?
Come celebrate historic preservation month with us at this year’s Waterford Open House on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st, both days from 12-5pm! Have you ever wandered by the Second Street School or the Waterford Mill and wanted to learn more? Now’s your chance! We invite you and your family to come explore the story of the Waterford National Historic Landmark on Saturday May 30th and Sunday May 31st for a weekend of historic fun including:
- Explore the history of the Village in historic buildings and trails open throughout the Village!
- Have fun with crafts, puzzles, and games throughout the Village to become a Junior Waterford Historian!
- Come see a special exhibit on display for one weekend only from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture!
- Dive further into the history of Waterford on a guided walking tour*!
- Learn about the ins and outs of historic preservation from experts across the County and beyond at the Preservation Academy!
- Traverse the natural side of Waterford on a special nature walk on Saturday and get your own baby tree while supplies last on Sunday!
We hope to see you out in Waterford this May! And happy historic preservation month!
(*Guided walking tours are the only fee based activity, tickets are $20 per person)