Exit133

April 25, 2014 · Exit133

Preservation Month Embarks, Inspires and Engages

Each May the National Trust for Historic Preservation encourages local communities to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month. Tacoma is taking this year’s theme, “Embark, Inspire and Engage,” to heart with an array of activities designed to appeal to a diverse audience to do just that. 

“Different community groups engage in Tacoma’s architectural history in different ways, and interest is growing,” said City Historic Preservation Officer Reuben McKnight. “This year’s events are being offered by a variety of groups and range from creative to active and social to self-guided. It’s a wide and interesting net.” 

  • Sat. May 2 and Sun. May 3: Historic Homes of Tacoma Tour, organized by the Tacoma Historical Society 
  • Wed. May 7 from Noon – 1 p.m.: Architecture Walk, part of the Walk Tacoma series organized by Downtown On the Go
  • Thurs. May 8 from 6-9 p.m.: Preservation Month Reception and Awards, hosted by the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission and Historic Tacoma  
  • Sat.  May 10 from 10 a.m. – noon: Tacoma Tweed Ride, organized by Feather and Oar
  • Thurs. May 15 from 7-9 p.m.: Historic Postcards Project, organized by Historic Tacoma 
  • Wed. May 21 from 5:15-6:30 p.m.: UWT/Brewery Walk, part of the Walk Tacoma series organized by Downtown On the Go
  • Sat. May 31 at 5 p.m.: History of Whiskey Row Lecture, organized by the Tacoma Landmarks Preservation Commission

In addition to celebrating Tacoma’s history, the City’s award-winning Historic Preservation efforts seek to provide property owner tools and resources to preserve the community character derived from Tacoma’s rich architectural legacy. Part of this includes new initiatives to provide information and increase awareness of historic preservation issues in Tacoma.
In this spirit, the City is further marking this month by unveiling a new historic preservation quarterly e-newsletter, PastForward. The newsletter includes program updates, case studies, resource information and tips for homeowners with older homes. To sign up, residents can visit cityoftacoma.org/historicpreservation. With six historic districts and numerous places of cultural, ethnohistorical and scientific importance, there’s a large potential audience. 

“We’re looking for proactive ways to provide helpful and interesting information to our residents, property owners, and those who are interested in preservation issues,” stated McKnight. 

For more information on Preservation Month activities, visit cityoftacoma.org/historicpreservation. The Preservation Month national hashtag is #presmonth.