The Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation and citizens in the Lafayette and West Lafayette area will join thousands of individuals around the country as part of a nationwide celebration of 2008 National Preservation Month in May 2008. “This Place Matters" is the theme of the month-long celebration, which is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Want to help some deserving kids beautify a neighborhood? Then join us on May 18th for the "Triangle Park Kids' Bouquet" (pdf) and help the kids plant flowers and paint a mural.

Some of the many activities include a Lecture and Workshops on May 21-23 on Glazed Architectural Terra Cotta (pdf) presented by Ms. Susan Tunick, a nationally-known Terra Cotta expert and artist, and Mr. Fritz Herget, President of Arsee Engineers Inc. The team will host lectures and a workshop on the history, use, and maintenance of terra cotta tile use on buildings. 

Want to know more about the architecture and history of some of Purdue's best known buildings? Join us on May 27th for a lively and informative Architectural Walking Tour of Historic Purdue University, led by Dr. Michael O. Hunt, Professor Emeritus in the Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. Dr. Hunt is a nationally known expert in historic preservation and has been active in the Wabash Valley Trust and many other local historic and preservation organizations.

Check our 2008 Preservation Month Calendar (pdf) for all the exciting events.

Since the National Trust created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America, it has grown into an annual celebration observed by small towns and big cities with events ranging from architectural and historic tours and award ceremonies, to fundraising events, educational programs and heritage travel opportunities. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the National Trust has extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even longer opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states and enable more Americans to become involved in the growing preservation movement. This year will mark the first official Preservation Month.

Here in Lafayette, West Lafayette, and the Wabash Valley Preservation Month 2008 will be celebrated with several activities which can be found by clicking here: 2008 Preservation Month Calendar (pdf).