HUNTSVILLE — The role of data in historic preservation will soon be highlighted as part of the city of Huntsville’s annual Historic Preservation Month campaign.
Spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month is celebrated each May to heighten awareness about the wonderful buildings and places that are part of our shared history. This year’s theme is “Harnessing the Power of Place” and the countless ways that preservation creates in communities across the country.
“In the past, this month has been dedicated to honoring historic places and the people who have preserved them,” City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps said. “This year, we’re taking a different approach and answering the question, ‘how do you preserve a historic place when it is no longer standing?’”
Mayor Tommy Battle said historic preservation isn’t about freezing time but about honoring the past while making room for the future.
“Places tell stories; they ground us and teach us,” he said. “They also remind us that history lives not only in archives and museums, but in neighborhoods, buildings and in the hearts of our community.”
A full list of Preservation Month events is below:
- Five Points PorchFest
Saturday from 3-9 p.m.
Five porches on Pratt Avenue will host musicians from Huntsville, Nashville and the Shoals for a unique evening of live performances. Bring a blanket, chair and cooler to enjoy the show! Please do not park on Pratt Avenue. - Discover Downtown Huntsville: Guided Walking Tours
Thursday at 5:30 p.m.; May 10 at 10 a.m.
Led by City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps, the free Downtown Huntsville Walking Tour brings to life the evolution and history of Huntsville’s downtown commercial district from the city’s earliest settlers to the Space Race and beyond. Attendees will learn about local history, notable citizens and a diverse collection of architectural styles. Central to the tour is how urban renewal impacted Huntsville’s city center and how those changes were a catalyst for national and local preservation movements.
The downtown walking tour begins and ends at the historic First National Bank at 216 West Side Square and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Walking tour participants should bring only what they can carry comfortably (water, sunscreen, light snacks). Spring weather can be unpredictable in Alabama, so dress accordingly! - Then & Now: The Role of Data in Preservation
May 15 from 4-6 p.m.
Join the City of Huntsville’s Historic Preservation Planner and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department for an engaging look at how data is shaping the future of preservation. As part of Preservation Month, this interactive event will debut the city’s new digital Downtown Huntsville walking tour and Historic Huntsville Image Collection Viewer — a searchable database featuring over 11,000 historic photographs.
Through maps, imagery, and interactive web applications, attendees will see firsthand how GIS is helping preserve the “power of place” by cataloging and sharing Huntsville’s rich history. Whether you’re a local history buff, researcher, or curious resident, this event will inspire a deeper connection to Huntsville’s past and present. - Preservation Happy Hour
May 20 from 5-7 p.m.
If you are interested in history and preservation and would like to meet and network with like-minded professionals, property owners, advocates and volunteers, come to Baker & Able, the rooftop bar at 106 Jefferson hotel.
Hosted by City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps, this casual event is open to the public and does not require tickets or reservations. Beverages and small plates will be available for purchase.
Residents are invited to participate on social media by using the hashtag #ThePowerofPlaceHSV.
Learn more by following the hashtag #PreservationMonth and visiting HHPC’s Facebook and Instagram.
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