Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring May 2025 as National Preservation Month in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
CPDS - Comprehensive Planning
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation. The Historic District Commission and Peerless Rockville will be on site to accept the proclamation.
Discussion
Every year in May, local preservation groups, state historical societies, and business and civic organizations across the country celebrate Preservation Month through events that promote historic places and heritage tourism, and that demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states.
The theme for National Preservation Month 2025 is "Harnessing the Power of Place." This theme emphasizes the numerous benefits and positive impacts that preservation efforts bring to communities, focusing on how protecting historic spaces strengthens neighborhoods, supports a healthier planet and fosters a more connected society.
Public Notification and Engagement
To celebrate Preservation Month, the Historic District Commission will be hosting an event on May 17 at 10 a.m. called “Sustainability in Historic Preservation.” The event will take place in the historic courtroom of the Grey Courthouse Building (27 Courthouse Square). At the event, the Rockville community can learn how to modernize historic properties with sustainability upgrades while preserving their character. Attendees will explore energy-efficient and sustainable home upgrades that maintain the integrity of historic properties and local historic homeowners will share their experiences with making modern modifications while preserving their homes’ architectural heritage. The event will also provide guidance on best practices for balancing sustainability with historic preservation. Additional information about the event can be found on the city’s calendar.