Happy Preservation Month!
May is National Preservation Month and the theme this year is ”Celebrating America’s Treasures.” Of course, we have to put a Texas spin on this and “Celebrate Texas’ Treasures!” The First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award recognizes communities that demonstrate a commitment to preservation and tourism initiatives to strengthen their economies and enhance their authentic “sense of place.”
We will be paying tribute to these communities throughout this month, highlighting their local projects that help achieve the goals and outcomes of Texas’ Statewide Preservation Plan. You can pay tribute to these communities and celebrate Preservation Month by visiting any of the seven - Castroville, Georgetown, Mount Vernon, Nacogdoches, San Marcos, Waxahachie, and the most recently designated city, Brownsville – who all have wonderful community events scheduled during May and June.
Congratulations to the newest recipient of the award, Brownsville! The city has a full day of activities scheduled on May 10 to celebrate Preservation Month and U.S. Travel and Tourism Week’s Rally Day. Events include the official premiere of the THC’s First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award video, guided walks through historic districts, museums, cemeteries, and military sites, with an exhibit unveiling at historic Fort Brown and radio tour launch at Palmito Ranch Battlefield. Make sure and check out Brownsville’s First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award video on or after May 10. From the beautifully restored Cameron County Courthouse to the first International Style house in Texas (the Richard Neutra designed George Kraigher House which appeared on Preservation Texas’ Most Endangered Places 2004 list), you will not only be inspired by the places of Brownsville, but by the people who have worked in partnership to preserve them.
We want to hear how you will be celebrating Preservation Month in your community! Leave a comment here, visit Preservation Texas’ webpage with a list of events happening all across the state and add your event to their Facebook page.
