HPS to conduct seminar, panel discussion May 9

Established in 1971 to raise awareness about architecture and protection of our national heritage, May is National Preservation Month.

The Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County (HPS) has several events planned during the month. The first is co-sponsored by the HPS and the Putnam County Public Library (PCPL) and will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 at the PCPL.

The seminar includes a panel of Putnam County experts that consists of:

-- Diana Brumfield, reference assistant, Putnam County Library Local History and Genealogy Department, who will present information to aid interested individuals in the use of the library's resources and records for genealogical research.

-- Margaret Champion of Maggie's Genealogy Service of Greencastle, who will discuss the methods and resources available to determine the history of homes and structures.

-- Marilyn Clearwaters, an active member of the local chapter of the DAR, will discuss researching the descendants of Civil War soldiers in connection with the celebration of 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Preservation Month in Putnam County has helped bring historic preservation to the forefront by providing opportunities to celebrate and learn how our communities can improve their quality of life through neighborhood revitalization and protection of our irreplaceable resources.

Over the 30-year history of the HPS, numerous celebrations and events have transpired. More are planned for May 2012 and will be announced in the coming weeks.