Historic Preservation Month
Celebrate Historic Preservation Month!
Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced the Department of State’s celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, which occurs every May. This year’s theme, “Preservation Makes Cents!” celebrates the economic benefits of historic preservation. Programs and initiatives focus on historic banks, grants, and tax credits.
“Historic Preservation makes economic sense,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “It encourages reinvestment in our historic communities and creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and developers who can use preservation tax credits to rehabilitate historic properties. Grants empower communities to preserve and revitalize landmark properties, promoting their town’s unique sense of place and attracting visitors.”
How to Participate
The Department of State celebrates National Historic Preservation Month 2025 with a series of events throughout the month of May. See a list of events below.
Also, in May 2025, the Division of Historical Resources will host multiple public meetings that fall under its responsibilities to preserve, protect, and promote Florida’s history. These include the first meeting of the Florida Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission on May 7, starting at 1:00 p.m., and a business meeting of the Florida Historical Commission on May 16, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Historic Preservation Month 2025 Events:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The Florida Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission meets for the first time on May 7, starting at 1:00 p.m. This Commission was created to advise and make recommendations to the Governor regarding Florida's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
Fridays, May 9, and May 23, 2025
On, May 9 and 23, John Grandage, Assistant Director for Historical Resources, will lead guided walking tours of The Grove Museum. The tours focus on innovative historic preservation approaches used in the award-winning Call-Collins House project. Tour consists of a guided walk both inside and outside the Call-Collins House, with stops along the way to examine architectural features. This program is free, open to the public, and starts at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both days. The Grove Museum is located at 902 North Monroe Street, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
The Museum of Florida History is holding the May 2025 edition of its popular Second Saturday Family Program at the Union Bank Museum, located at 219 Apalachee Parkway, in Tallahassee, Florida. The program will be focused on the history of the Union Bank building and features historic preservation-themed activities for families with children ages 8 and under. This program is free, open to the public, and starts at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
The Grove Museum holds its popular Storytime at the Grove program every second Wednesday of the month. On May 14, join staff as they read Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day by Kristen Lake. Afterwards, participate in fun activities related to the book. The Program starts at 10 a.m., is free and open to the public, and is geared towards families with children ages 8 and under.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
On May 15, Florida’s National Register of Historic Places Review Board is holding its quarterly public meeting. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of sites and properties throughout the country that reflect the pre-contact occupation and historical development of our nation, states, and local communities. It includes districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that have been identified and documented as being significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. In Florida, there are more than 1,700 properties and districts listed on the National Register. Nominations for properties in Florida are submitted to the National Park Service through the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, following review and recommendation by the Florida National Register Review Board. Properties to be considered at this meeting include the Lamolithic Historic District in Sarasota County, additional documentation for the Port Theatre in Gulf County, and the delisting of the Ormond Hotel in Volusia County. This meeting will take place in room 307 of the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, in Tallahassee, Florida, starting at 1:30 p.m. Register to attend via webinar here.
Friday, May 16, 2025
The Florida Historical Commission was established to enhance public participation and involvement in the preservation and protection of the state's historic and archaeological sites and properties. The Commission advises and assists the Division of Historical Resources in carrying out the programs, duties and responsibilities of the Division. This meeting will take place in room 307 of the R.A. Gray Building, 500 South Bronough Street, in Tallahassee, Florida, starting at 9:00 a.m. Register to attend via webinar here.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
On May 17, Ruben Acosta, Chief of the Bureau of Historic Preservation, will lead a guided walking tour of downtown Tallahassee historic sites, focusing on their preservation stories. The tour starts at 11:00 a.m. and begins at the fountain in Ponce de Leon Park, across from the United States Courthouse Annex at 111 North Adams Street in the heart of the Downtown Market. Tallahassee’s Downtown Market is located on Park Avenue between Adams Street and Monroe Street in Tallahassee, Florida, and is held every Saturday from March to November. The guided tour and the Downtown Market are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
The annual 20th of May—Emancipation in Florida commemoration recognizes the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee, Florida, on May 20, 1865, two years after it was first issued by President Abraham Lincoln. The commemoration is a joint effort between the Museum of Florida History and the John G. Riley Center & Museum. Commemorative events include a Civil War Grave Decorating Service—a tradition that started in the Reconstruction era—at Old City Cemetery, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard between Park Avenue and Call Street, starting at 10:00 a.m. Following the conclusion of the cemetery service, at 11:30 a.m., the public is invited to Lewis Park, in front of the Knott House Museum, located at 301 East Park Avenue, in Tallahassee, Florida, for remarks from dignitaries, historical reenactments, musical performances, a dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and a free picnic lunch. The May 20 programs are free and open to the public.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
On May 21, Mission San Luis' Homeschool Days series of family programs continues with a day focused on Historic Preservation. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the historic site will be filled with interactive, family-friendly architecture and historic preservation-related activities. All activities during Homeschool Days are included with the normal fee for site admission. Mission San Luis is located at 2021 West Tennessee Street, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Friday, May 29, 2025
On May 29, Andrew Waber, Florida Division of Historical Resources Historian, will discuss the history of Torreya State Park and the Civilian Conservation Corps' work to relocate the Gregory House as one of the earliest historic preservation projects in Florida. This free program is part of the Museum of Florida History’s History at High Noon Lecture Series and will take place at Mission San Luis, located at 2021 Mission Road, in Tallahassee, Florida, starting at 12:00 p.m.
Partner Events:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Spend an historical evening under the iconic dome on Thursday, May 8, for Rotunda Rendezvous at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum! During this annual celebration of Historic Preservation Month, we invite you to play Preservation Bingo for fun prizes while enjoying snacks and drinks in one of Florida’s most beautiful historic buildings.
May 23-25, 2025
The 73rd annual Florida Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes, contra dancing and root beer floats to the wide varieties of music of immigrants, the state's cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. Throughout the Memorial Day weekend, more than 300 performances will give voice and meaning to Florida's heritage. Every year the Florida Department of State's Florida Folklife Program researches a special topic on Florida's traditional heritage. The 2025 festival Folklife Area will feature “Earth.” The festival's Folklife Area will feature performances and demonstrations celebrating the diverse living traditions of Florida. Visit the Folklife Area to experience the compelling traditions and savor the flavors, sights and sounds of some of Florida's oldest and newest cultural communities. Held annually at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs, Florida. Tickets are available here!
Ongoing Exhibits:
May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025
Built in 1841, Union Bank is considered Florida’s oldest surviving bank building. Recently completed exhibits chronicle the history of the building, its many uses over time, and the story of how preservationists saved it from demolition. Featured in the exhibits are artifacts related to the building’s preservation story. Exhibits are accessible during normal museum operating hours, Thursday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Union Bank Museum is free, open to the public, and located at 219 Apalachee Parkway, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Now - December 2025
Beyond the Suit features never-before-exhibited clothing and accessories that belonged to Governor LeRoy Collins, from the collection of The Grove Museum. Paired with historical photographs from the collections of the State Archives of Florida, exhibit highlights include the suit and top hat worn by Governor Collins at his 1955 and 1957 inaugurations, custom cuff links, and Florida-themed memorabilia. Exhibits are accessible during normal museum operating hours, Wednesday to Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Grove Museum is free, open to the public, and located at 902 North Monroe Street, in Tallahassee, Florida.
Historic Preservation in Florida
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, and archaeological 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 Main Street program. 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 three bureaus – Archaeological Research, Historic Preservation, and Historical Museums.
National Historic Preservation Month is a campaign led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. DHR uses this initiative as an opportunity to showcase ways in which the division works year-round to promote and protect Florida’s historic places, including cemeteries. 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 also benefits Florida’s economy, drawing locals and visitors to support their favorite local venues and historic places.
Connect with Us on Social Media!
To find out more about other events and programs taking place throughout the state during Historic Preservation Month, find us on Facebook Florida Division of Historical Resources, Florida Main Street Program, The Museum of Florida History, The Grove Museum, Union Bank Museum, and Mission San Luis.
The Division of Historical Resources also has an Instagram! Tag @flheritage and join the conversation by using #PreservationMonthFL.
