Historic Preservation Month
Celebrate Historic Preservation Month!
Secretary of State Cord Byrd encourages Floridians to celebrate National Historic Preservation Month during the month of May with statewide events and programs. National Historic Preservation Month recognizes the importance of preserving historic resources and their significance to local communities.
As part of this year’s “Caring for Historic Cemeteries” theme, the Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is partnering with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) to encourage Floridians to help locate and document historic cemeteries across the state. The goal of this initiative is to gather and maintain the most comprehensive information about historic cemeteries in Florida.
Currently, more than 237,000 cultural and historical sites are recorded in the Florida Master Site File, but only about 1,700 are cemeteries. Conservative estimates indicate that there are 5,000 to 7,000 historic cemeteries in the state that are over 50 years of age. This means that approximately three-quarters of the historic cemeteries in Florida have not been recorded.
Here's where you can help! Floridians can visit fpan.us/hci to access the online form and submit cemetery locations.
Any information citizens can provide will be useful in these efforts. Submitters may remain anonymous if they do not want to be identified or contacted. Youth are encouraged to work with older family members on this project, as some cemetery locations may only be known through the memories of our elders.
National Historic Preservation Month is a campaign led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. DHR is utilizing this platform as an opportunity to showcase ways in which the division works year-round to promote and protect Florida’s historic places, including cemeteries. Historic preservation improves our quality of life and contributes to our understanding of each other and the diverse heritage of our state. Preservation of historic sites and properties also benefits Florida’s economy, drawing locals and visitors to support their favorite local venues and historic places.
Department of State Events
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Walking Tours of Old City Cemetery
Join the Division of Historical Resources and the Florida Public Archaeology Network for two walking tours of Old City Cemetery in Tallahassee, Florida.
Friday, May 20, 2022
20th of May, Emancipation in Florida
On Thursday, May 20, 2022 join the Museum of Florida History and John G. Riley House Museum for this year's celebration of 20th of May—Emancipation in Florida.
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Virtual Panel Discussion
Join the Division of Historical Resources and the Florida Public Archaeology Network for a virtual panel discussion, via Zoom, on caring for Florida’s historic cemeteries.
Partner Events
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Rotunda Rendezvous and Trivia Night at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum, in celebration of Historic Preservation Month, invites guests to experience an historical evening under the iconic dome and win prizes. Guests will enjoy snacks and drinks while being quizzed by special guest hosts from the Bureau of Historic Preservation.
Historic Preservation in Florida
The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources (DHR) is responsible for preserving and promoting Florida’s historical, and archaeological resources. The Division Director’s office oversees a grants-in-aid program to help preserve and maintain Florida’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; coordinates outreach programs such as the State Historic Markers program and the Florida Main Street program. DHR directs historic preservation efforts throughout the state in cooperation with state and federal agencies, local governments, private organizations, and individuals. The Division director serves as the State Historic Preservation Officer, acting as the liaison with the national historic preservation program conducted by the National Park Service. The Division is comprised of three bureaus – Archaeological Research, Historic Preservation, and Historical Museums.
Connect with Us on Social Media!
To further celebrate Historic Preservation Month, we’re encouraging Floridians to use their phones to record and capture oral history interviews of their own family stories and share those videos on social media using the hashtag #FloridaCemeteries. You can find the list of prompt questions here: Family Oral History Project (.pdf).
To find out more about other events and programs taking place throughout the state during Historic Preservation Month, find us on Facebook Florida Division of Historical Resources, Florida Main Street Program, The Museum of Florida History, The Grove Museum, and Mission San Luis.
The Division of Historical Resources also has an Instagram! Tag @flheritage and join the conversation by using #PreservationMonthFL.
