Secretary Detzner Encourages Floridians to Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month in May

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –

Historic Preservation Month is celebrated nationally each year in May to recognize the importance of preserving historic resources and their significance to local communities. Throughout the month, the Florida Department of State joins efforts led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to raise awareness of historic preservation in Florida.

“Florida has a long and rich history, and our historic places come in many forms,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “You might be surprised at the unique and interesting sites found in your community so I encourage all Floridians to get out and explore our state’s many historic places during Historic Preservation Month.”

The Florida Division of Historical Resources (DHR) works year-round to protect and promote Florida’s historic places. 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 benefits Florida’s economy, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world.

During the month of May, special events will be held at historic sites throughout the state with opportunities to participate in activities and programs that celebrate historic preservation efforts in Florida. This year, the DHR is hosting contests on Facebook and Instagram for Historic Preservation Month.

Throughout May, the DHR will host a photo contest on its Instagram Page. Instagrammers are invited to post a photo of a historic site in Florida with the hashtag #FLheritage. Participants must also follow the DHR Instagram page @FLheritage and should encourage their friends to like and share their posts. The DHR will select the top three entries with the most likes received between May 1 and May 31. Winners will receive a prize package of Florida historic recordings, books and materials. There is no limit on the amount of entries that can be submitted.

The DHR will also feature contests on its Facebook page throughout May to highlight National Historic Landmarks and National Register properties in Florida. Prizes will be awarded each week to randomly selected individuals who correctly identify the historic site featured in each contest.

A calendar of events and programs taking place throughout the state during Historic Preservation Month is available on the DHR Historic Preservation Month webpage. For more information on Historic Preservation Month, please visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website.

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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.