Florida Main Street Celebrates Preservation50 Throughout the Month of October

Tallahassee –

Secretary Detzner, and the Florida Main Street Program, in celebration of Preservation50, an initiative commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the National Historic Preservation Act, recognizes the contributions of all local Main Street programs throughout Florida during the month of October 2016.

“Florida’s Main Street Programs and communities are instrumental in preserving Florida’s heritage and culture, and are often leaders in the revitalization of historical districts and buildings,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “I encourage all Floridians to get involved in their local Main Street Programs during October to celebrate Preservation50 and share their story with us on social media using #Preservation50.”

Florida Main Street Quarterly Meeting in Apalachicola (image courtesy of Susan Macon)

The Historic Preservation Act of 1966 created the framework for programs such as Florida Main Street, and enabled communities throughout the nation to document, preserve and protect their historical resources. Main Street programs throughout Florida and the nation have demonstrated how historic preservation can serve as an economic development tool, restoring the walkability to downtowns, elevating property values, promoting small business, and maintaining and preserving the civic pride and economic vitality of local communities. The Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established programs for the protection of cultural and architectural landmarks and destinations, making it possible for Florida Main Street programs to thrive and improve Florida’s economy. 

Florida’s theme for the Preservation50 initiative, “There’s a Story Here,” speaks to the history and culture that surrounds our historical sites and objects. During the month of October 2016, the Florida Main Street Program will focus on special events, successful rehabilitation projects, and heritage tourism opportunities generated by Main Street programs throughout the state. Floridians and visitors are encouraged to support to these programs by attending one or more of the exciting events and festivals in their area. By spreading the word on social media using #Preservation50, visitors can share their unique story of specific locations and discover why historic preservation is important to others. 

A list of featured events is provided below. A full calendar of Florida Main Street events can be found at FloridaMainStreet.com.  For more information about Florida Main Street program, visit FloridaMainStreet.com or Facebook.com/FloridaMainStreet.

 

MainStreet DeLand

Classic Car Cruise-in

Saturday, October 15, 2016

 

Quincy Main Street

Quincy Porchfest and Sketch Crawl

Saturday, October 22, 2016

 

Main Street Fort Pierce

Ghosts of Fort Pierce Historic Walking Tour

Wednesday & Thursday, October 26 & 27, 2016

(registration required)

 

Apalachicola Main Street

Autos and Oysters

Saturday, October 29, 2016

# # # 

About Preservation50

Preservation50 is the national initiative commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the National Historic Preservation Act on October 15, 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Act laid the groundwork for programs and procedural protections that are fundamental to historic preservation efforts today. Learn more about it here. Throughout 2016, the Florida Division of Historical Resources invites you to join us in the national celebration of Preservation50.Many of the programs administered today by the Florida Division of Historical Resources within the Florida Department of State, are a result of the National Historic Preservation Act.  The National Register of Historic Places, Certified Local Government programs, and the Section 106 Review Process, receive funding support from the Historic Preservation Fund created by the Act, which also established state and tribal historic preservation programs, and State Historic Preservation Officers who are appointed to preserve the nation’s cultural and historic resources.

 

About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, which currently oversees 45 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach®, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul. For more information, visit floridamainstreet.com.