12 Fun Historic Preservation Month Ideas for You & Your Family

1. Learn more about your home.

   The vast majority of homes in America are historic in age, even those ranch and split-level houses you grew up in. Visit your local historical society, library, and public records office to get started. George Washington probably didn’t get a chance to sleep there, but who else had the chance to crash on the couch in 1968?

2. Participate in a downtown cleanup day.

   Sure, this might stretch the boundaries of the definition of fun, but those old buildings in your downtown need love too. Pick up trash on the sidewalk and street, clean off graffiti, and add a fresh coat of paint to downtown buildings to keep their majestic charm going for another year.

3. Take some photos.
   

   Architectural photography can become an addicting hobby. Think we’re joking? There are hundreds of Instagram accounts like Old House Love, dedicated to the beauty of historic buildings. You can also enter Heritage Ohio’s awesome Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest and land your photo on the cover of the next issue of Revitalize Ohio. You’ll be Insta-famous!

4. Take a tour.

   There are lots of unique historic structures dotting Ohio. Many of them are privately-owned, but some open up to the public throughout the year. Be on the lookout for historic home tours, Main Street tours, and the Ohio History Connection’s Open Doors.

5. Participate in an Architectural Scavenger Hunt.

   If you want to work for your entertainment, try an architectural scavenger hunt. Many local preservation organizations and historical societies have these for a low cost or for free. Pick one up and start the hunt.

6. Nomination your favorite preservationist for an award.

   Many Ohioans work diligently to ensure historic preservation is a priority in their community and their hard work should be recognized by everyone. If you know someone who has worked tirelessly for historic preservation, nominate them to be honored at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Awards.

7. Do things the right way.

   Contrary to the vinyl replacement window sales pitch, you can maintain and repair historic windows, and any other part of your historic home, with a little bit of know-how and elbow grease. From windows to plaster to flooring, workshops like LakewoodAlive’s Knowing Your Home are taking place each and every month in Ohio. Sign up for one today.

8. Donate your time.

   Most preservation organizations are lean operations. They need your support and knowhow. Volunteering can take many forms and let them know what you are interested in and how you would like to help. They will certainly appreciate it.

9. Listen to a Preservation Month Webinar.

   Throughout the month of May, Heritage Ohio hosts a preservation-related webinars each Wednesday afternoon. Sign up for one today.

10. Plan a trip.
    

    Ohio has many historic communities, both large and small, including 23 Ohio Main Street communities. They are one of a kind and full of interesting shops and restaurants in historic buildings. Need some help with your road trip? We’ve put together lists our favorite cinemas, theatres, breweries, hotels, and most important, ice creams.

11. Stand up for historic preservation.

    When was the last time you chained yourself to a building or laid down in front of a bulldozer? Sound a little risky? Well, that’s your opinion, but there are a lot of things you can do to become an advocate for historic preservation in your community before you take the drastic steps. Support your local Main Street and preservation organization, speak with your elected officials, and let others know why historic preservation is an important part of your community.

12. Become a member.

    The support from preservationists like you gets things done in Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the state’s official historic preservation and downtown revitalization organization. We want to save the places that matter to you, but we need your help to do it. Being a member is much more than a financial investment in Ohio’s preservation movement, it means you are standing up for what you believe in with all other Ohioans who want to make a difference. Become a member today!