LITTLE ROCK — Saline County Judge Jeff Arey and Bryant Mayor Jill Dabbs are among 118 officials in 62 counties who have declared May as Historic Preservation Month and Arkansas Heritage Month, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced recently.
“As we enjoy these month-long celebrations of our Arkansas heritage, we hope all of the people of Arkansas will take time to reflect on the importance of their local historic sites, especially those listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” McSwain said.
(A list of Saline County’s National Register properties can be found at http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/historic-properties/national-register/search.aspx.)
The proclamations from Arey and Dabbs note that historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability; and that historic preservation is relevant for communities across the nation, both urban and rural, and for Americans of all ages, walks of life and ethnic backgrounds.
The officials stated that it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that shaped people.
Noting that National Historic Preservation Month and Arkansas Heritage Month are co-sponsored by Saline County, Bryant, the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Arey and Dabbs proclaimed May as National Historic Preservation Month and Arkansas Heritage Month and called upon their constituents to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in the special observance.
For a list of Arkansas Heritage Month events, visit http://www.arkansasheritage.com/plan/heritage_month.aspx.
For information, call the AHPP at (501) 324-9880, write the agency at 323 Center St., Suite 1500, Little Rock, AR 72201, send an e-mail message to info@arkansaspreservation.org, or visit www.arkansaspreservation.org.
The AHPP is the Department of Arkansas Heritage agency responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering and preserving the state’s cultural resources. Other agencies are the Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Historic Arkansas Museum.
