Every May, the City of Bloomington joins other cities, states, and the nation to celebrate National Preservation Month. Preservation Month is an opportunity for us to show appreciation and gratitude for the places that we care about in Bloomington. Bloomington's rich historical and cultural assets set Bloomington apart from our neighboring communities. Our architecture is our identity. Our downtown was made from local materials with local craftsmanship. Our historic homes were designed by local architects to reflect the uniquely personalities of their owners. Historic Preservation brings multiple social, economic, and environmental benefits to the community. Preservation can be more affordable and generate less waste than new construction. Repurposing irreplaceable buildings promotes distinct experiences, inspiration, and can improve health and well-being.  

Bloomington residents are able to enjoy our historic resources thanks to the dedication and investments of preservationists. The City of Bloomington’s Historic Preservation Commission was established in 1983. Our program partners with local carpenters and masons, with the History Museum and Old House Society, with our universities and school districts, and with landlords, tenants and homeowners on preservation activities and awareness.

 

You Can Celebrate Too! Join us.

• This Place Matters Campaign.  Tell us which places matter most to you. Everyone has places that are important to them. Places they care about. Places that matter. This Place Matters is a national campaign with the National Trust for Historic Preservation that encourages people to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and to their communities.

As you spread the word, make sure to use the #ThisPlaceMatters hashtag. People around the world are sharing photos of the places they hold dear. But this campaign isn’t just about photography. It’s about telling the stories of the places we can’t live without. Through This Place Matters, we hope to encourage and inspire an ongoing dialogue about the importance of place and preservation in all of our lives. Be sure to share the City of Bloomington’s sites with #ilovedowntownbloomington hashtag. You can print off the This Place Matters icon in English or Spanish to accompany you in your photo

• The McLean County Museum of History has a list of Preservation Month Activities posted.

• Take a local history tour of the Dimmitt’s Grove Neighborhood from the Dimmitt’s Grove Neighborhood Association.
  
  
• Print the coloring pages of different architecture styles to color and hang in your window and show your support for preservation. Color Activity Posters: Craftsman , Italianate , Victorian , Mid-Century Modern.

History of Preservation Month

The United States began officially recognizing Historic Preservation during the Month of May on May 5, 1973. For more on the history of National Preservation Month please visit A Brief History of Preservation Month by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.