The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and a network of Georgia preservation organizations recently launched #PreservingHope, a campaign to raise awareness of historic buildings and sites that have been places of relief efforts, essential services and refuge during times of war, pandemics, civil unrest, natural disasters, and other uncertain times in our country’s history, according to a press release.
#PreservingHope is a way for people to shine a spotlight on historic places that have played a critical role in telling the story of how Americans—past and present—have responded to critical situations.
To take part in the #PreservingHope campaign, snap a photo—with or without a #PreservingHope sign—at a historic place that has provided relief efforts, essential services, or refuge, and share the photo on social media using the hashtag #PreservingHope. For more information and to download a sign, visit www.GeorgiaTrust.org/preservinghope.
Suggested sites include former and active historic hospitals, fire and police stations, churches, Civil Rights sites, LGBT sites, schools, grocery stores, places of protest, and government buildings such as post offices, courthouses and city halls. Sites can be big or small, historically significant or personally meaningful, and restored or not. All we ask is that they be 50 years or older.
“The buildings that house relief efforts bear witness to the courage and endurance of current and previous generations,” said Mark C. McDonald, Georgia Trust president and CEO. “These buildings also remind us of the importance of continuity in our nation’s history and of our ability to heal. These places have indeed been on the front lines of history, and we will tell their stories,” he added.
Sites in Georgia that evoke the spirit of #PreservingHope include the Sweet Auburn Historic District in Atlanta, Fire Station No. 2 in Rome, Hancock County Courthouse in Sparta, the Watkinson & Company Grocers Building in Augusta, Old Post Office buildings in Thomasville and Dubin, Griffin Historic City Hall, the R.J. Taylor Memorial Hospital building in Hawkinsville, the Claflin School building in Columbus, Historic Fire Station No. 2 in Macon, Asbury United Methodist Church in Savannah, and many more.
Information: www.GeorgiaTrust.org/preservinghope
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