May 5, 2016 Boston Landmarks Commission Unveils Calendar for Preservation Month in Boston
May is National Historic Preservation Month and this year in particular is special as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Passed in 1966, the National Historic Preservation Act is a landmark piece of legislation that has served as the guidepost for historic preservation in the United States. It is also responsible for the creation of the President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Register of Historic Places.
The NHPA was enacted in reaction to urban renewal in the United States post WWII. As cities grew and flourished, old buildings and neighborhoods were demolished in order to make room for the shiny and new. For the last half century the NHPA has saved countless historic sites and buildings and has cultivated a strong, active preservation community.
In Boston, as our city grows and changes, we are faced with the challenge of finding a balance between ushering the new while protecting the old. This year “Keep the Change” is the theme of Boston’s city wide celebration and tonight to kick things off Boston Landmarks Commission is hosting a panel discussion at the Boston Public Library at 6 p.m. HBI’s President Kathleen MacNeil will be serving as a panelist. We encourage those interested to attend.
For a complete listing of programming this month check out: https://www.cityofboston.gov/images_documents/PM16%20Calendar_tcm3-53174.pdf