Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee Encourages Floridians to Celebrate “Preservation Outdoors” during National Historic Preservation Month in May

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –

Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee encourages Floridians to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month, which is observed during the month of May to recognize the importance of preserving historic resources and their significance to local communities.

“This year during Historic Preservation Month, we would like to highlight the many opportunities for citizens and visitors to experience ‘Preservation Outdoors,’” said Secretary Lee. “Historic sites come in all varieties, and Florida has many opportunities to visit outdoor museums, parks, historic districts and downtown main streets to learn about Florida’s history while enjoying our beautiful weather during the month of May.”

Historic preservation improves our quality of life and contributes to our understanding of each other and the diverse heritage of our state. Preservation of historic sites and properties also benefits Florida’s economy, drawing locals and visitors to support their favorite local venues and historic places.

National Historic Preservation Month is a campaign led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR) 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.

As part of this year’s “Preservation Outdoors” theme, the Division of Historical Resources is partnering with the Florida Park Service and is featuring five weekly contests on Facebook throughout May to highlight five Florida State Parks.

“Historic preservation and interpretation are core functions of the Florida Park Service’s mission, so we are partnering with the Division of Historical Resources for this important campaign,” said Eric Draper, Florida State Parks Director. “In addition to preserving the best examples of Florida’s natural beauty, many of our 175 parks and trails feature historic resources that may be studied and enjoyed for years to come.”

The featured parks are either on the National Register of Historic Places or contain National Register listed sites within the park. Clues will be provided, and a winner will be selected at random each week out of those who correctly identify each featured park. Weekly winners will receive a day pass for up to 8 people to visit any one of the 175 award-winning Florida State Parks, trails, and historic sites! Park passes are provided by Florida State Parks Foundation, Inc. Visitors are encouraged to share their photos on social media using #PreservationMonthFL.

A calendar of events and programs taking place during Historic Preservation Month is available on the DHR Historic Preservation Month webpage. For more information about National Historic Preservation Month or about the National Trust for Historic Preservation, click here.

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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, or follow along on Facebook or on Instagram.