Secretary Detzner Encourages Floridians to Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month

Tallahassee –

In recognition of National Historic Preservation Month in May, the Florida Department of State announces activities to raise awareness of historic preservation in Florida. Citizens are invited to attend special events at historic sites, participate in a series of informational webinars about historic preservation programs in Florida, contribute to the creation of Florida’s Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan for 2017-2021, and compete for contest prizes on the Florida Division of Historical Resources Facebook page.

“The month of May is National Historic Preservation Month and as Florida’s Chief Cultural Officer, it is my mission to demonstrate how historic preservation benefits Florida’s economy and contributes to the understanding of our diverse heritage,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “From Pensacola to St. Augustine to Key West, some of America’s most historically significant sites are located right here in the Sunshine State. I encourage all Floridians to join the Department in celebrating Florida’s history.”

National Historic Preservation Month is a campaign led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation each year in May. The Florida Division of Historical Resources is utilizing this platform as an opportunity to showcase ways in which the division works year-round to promote and protect Florida’s historic places. Throughout 2016, the division will also participate in the national “Preservation 50” initiative, which recognizes the 50^th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act and shines a light on the past, present, and potential future achievements in historic preservation.

This year the division’s Preservation50 webpage will highlight a diverse array of events such as the Florida History Fair; “Rotunda Rendezvous” at the Historic Capitol Museum; “Season of Emancipation” which includes a historical reenactment and reading of the Emancipation Proclamation on the steps of the Knott House, and programs led by the 2^nd Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troops Living History Association and John G. Riley Center/Museum; and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Conference - all of which take place in Tallahassee during Historic Preservation Month.

The Florida Division of Historical Resources will also partner in Tallahassee with the Los Robles Women’s Club to present a walking tour of the Los Robles Historic District on the evening of May 24. Other events taking place around the state include the annual meeting May 19-22, of the Florida Anthropological Society in Jupiter, and the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs on May 27-30 during Memorial Day Weekend,.

Online, the Division has launched a series of weekly contests on its Facebook page to highlight National Historic Landmarks and National Register properties in Florida. Prizes will be awarded to individuals who correctly identify the historic site in each contest. Join the conversation by using #PreservationMonthFlorida. Visit flheritage.com/preservation50 for a list of Preservation month activities.

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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 The Division of Historical Resources

The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, archaeological, and folk culture resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Folklife program which identifies and promotes the state's traditional culture. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of two Bureaus, archaeological research and historic preservation. For more information visit flheritage.com.