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May is National Historic Preservation Month
"This Place Matters" is the theme of National Historic Preservation Month, which kicks off today. This program is designed to raise awareness about the power historic preservation has to protect and enhance our homes, neighborhoods and communities.
Locally, the Putnam County Heritage Preservation Society (HPS) that is affiliated with National Landmarks has worked hard to find ways to educate the community on the value of historic property and on its preservation.
HPS also helps facilitate protecting historic structures such as covered bridges and the Putnam County home. Currently, the society members are also considering the best thing to do with the Houck Covered Bridge (number 146) that is being considered by the state to be moved or bypassed.
A recent discussion also took place over concern for the Putnam County Home. No decision has been made about what will happen to the historic structure when it closes this summer. HPS is looking into helping to facilitate a grant to do a study on the best use of the building.
Most recently, the group has formed a committee to begin the process of looking at residential neighborhoods that could be deemed historic neighborhoods. Several areas in Greencastle may be eligible for the designation.
"Preserving historic neighborhoods brings great value to the area. It provides residents with a sense of living within an identifiable place and fosters a sense of belonging," say Brian Kintish and John Shapiro with Abeles Phillips Preiss & Shapiro in an article written for CRM, a national Park Service publication.
The two also claim that historic preservation has strong economic value as well.
HPS President Phil Gick agrees with that statement. He told members of HPS that the move can increase neighborhood home values as well as help the area in taxes and tourism.
In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana has planned a variety of events.
On May 2, they are offering a historic window repairs, restoration and retrofitting workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at the Morris--Butler House in Indianapolis. Workshop fee of $27 per person includes lunch. Contact the Morris-Butler House at 317-636-5409 or mbhouse@historiclandmarks.org for reservations.
A Historic Public Sculpture Tour will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. as public sculpture expert Glory June Greiff leads a free walking tour of public art in downtown Indianapolis, beginning at the corner of Senate and Ohio streets near the Indiana State Library. It is free and open to the public. Contact Rebecca Smith at Historic Landmarks Foundation, 317-639-4534 or central@historiclandmarks.org
On May 8, the Stroll into Spring Progressive Dinner in Historic Old Northside will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Six courses will be offered, each in a different historic home, including the Morris-Butler House, the DeWolf-Allerdice House, the Butler-Vonnegut House, President Benjamin Harrison Home, Indianapolis Propylaeum and Meredith Nicholson House
Tickets are $70 per person, with reservations required. Contact the Morris-Butler House, 317-636-5409 or mbhouse@historiclandmarks.org
A Mother's Day Tea will be held at the Morris-Butler House on May 9 from either 1 to 3 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m. at the Morris-Butler House, Indianapolis. This event includes tea and a guided tour of the Victorian era Morris-Butler House. The tea menu includes chicken salad sandwiches, cherry scones, zucchini bread, fresh fruit, peach tarts, coconut cookies and apricot tea. Tickets are $32 per person. For reservations, contact the Morris-Butler House.
May 16 will be This Old House: Architectural Styles of the Historic Old Northside will offer a walking tour through Indianapolis architectural history from 9:30 a.m. to noon. A brief lecture will follow at the Morris-Butler House. Cost is $20 per person and includes continental breakfast. Register by May 14 to receive a $5 discount. For reservation contact Morris-Butler House.
How to Research Your Historic Home Workshop will be presented on May 19 from 6-7 p.m. at the Morris-Butler House Cost for the workshop is $10 per person. Contact Morris-Butler House for reservations.
On May 21 the Central Indiana Preservation Awards & FLIP Benefit will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Young & Laramore, 407 Fulton St., Indianapolis. Tickets start at $25 per person. Contact Historic Landmarks, 317-639-4534, info@historiclandmarks.org
The Queen Victoria Birthday Tea takes place on May 23 from 1-3 p.m. at the Morris-Butler House. England's longest reigning queen will take center stage for afternoon tea featuring her favorite tea fare and foods including English Breakfast tea, Victoria sponge cake, ruby scones, Victorian jubilee cake, chicken curry sandwiches, and Victorian kisses. The Queen herself makes an appearance. Following a tour of the house museum, the Queen joins guests in making lavender sachets, her favorite scent. Tea provided exclusively by Tea's Me Café. Tickets are $30 per person. Contact the Morris-Butler House for reservations.
On May 28 the Mid-Century Modern lecture will take place at 6:30 p.m. in DeBoest Lecture Hall at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It features Elizabeth Smith's illustrated lecture, "Case Study Houses: Blueprints for Modern Living," highlighting famed experiments in residential architecture sponsored by Art & Architecture magazine from 1945-1966. Contact Historic Landmarks Foundation.
To find out about other Preservation Month events call 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4530 or visit www.historiclandmarks.org.
HPS is hoping to add to its membership and anyone interested in joining can find information at the Chamber of Commerce, the Putnam County Foundation, the Putnam County Museum or the Visitors and Convention Bureau.