ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 9, 2022) – Join history enthusiasts nationwide this May in celebrating National Preservation Month. The observance, first established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “Preservation Week,” expanded to the entire month of May in 2005 to provide Americans more opportunities to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states. Historic preservation is not only an effective tool in smart growth and sustainability practices, it enhances quality of life, increases local pride and community involvement, and is a significant economic driver.
The Office of Planning & Zoning is joining in on the celebration by inviting citizens to participate in our Preservation Stewardship Program, sponsored by the Cultural Resources Section. The CRS team will offer several events and educational programs throughout the month, so citizens can explore, experience, and participate in preserving the historic places that matter across the county.
- Historic Sites Planner, Darian Beverungen, will lead an architectural tour of Historic Linthicum Walks on Monday, May 9th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
- Archaeological Sites Planner, Anastasia Poulos, will participate in a panel on the discovery and documentation of historic burial grounds. as part of a virtual symposium on May 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. aimed at preserving African American historical and cultural legacies, and sponsored by the Remembrance and Reconciliation Commission of Montgomery County.
- On May 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., we welcome volunteers to join in on a guided hike at Bacon Ridge to monitor trail conditions for potential archaeological impacts. Walk with us and learn how Anne Arundel County is working to preserve and protect archaeological sites.
- Archaeologist Drew Webster, will lead an archaeology hike at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary on Saturday, May 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Explore the landscape where indigenous peoples have lived for 13,000 years, and view ancient artifacts that have helped improve our knowledge about the County’s prehistoric past.
- In honor of Preservation Month and to support the County’s mission to protect significant historic sites, the Cultural Resources Section invites you to help us by completing an online Cemetery Preservation Survey where you can share your knowledge and observations regarding the conditions and potential risks to endangered historic cemeteries in your communities.
Reservations are required for most events. To sign up for one or more events or to learn more about the County’s Preservation Stewardship Program, visit. www.aacounty.org/Preservation-Stewardship
