May is National Preservation Month, which began as National Preservation Week in 1973. It was extended to the month of May in 2005 by the National Trust. The National Register of Historic Places recognizes more than 90,000 properties for their significance in American history, architecture, art, archeology, engineering, and culture. To see a list of those places in Summers County click here.
Reflecting on history can often offer courage, comfort, and inspiration. Historic places and historic structures offer a glance into an earlier, simpler time. Below are a few ways to celebrate National Preservation Month in Summers County:
1. Read up on some history. A History of Summers County by James H Miller, is a great book full of information about early settlers to the area. You can read it online by clicking here.
2. Take a walking tour of the Hinton Historic District and discover fabulous old architecture from Neo Classical to Gothic Revival and Victorian Romanesque, to name a few! Request a brochure or check out the digital version here.
3. Support a local business that is housed in a historic building. There are many small businesses that find their homes in these old buildings, it's part of what makes them unique!
4. Tour a historic cemetery.
5. Share your photos of historic places and tag them. #ThisPlaceMatters
For more information on historic places and how you can help with preservation, visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Park Service, and National Register of Historic Places.