President's Message

Dear Historians,

The month of May is National Preservation Month (as well as California Museum Month). I have used this for several years to inform City Council and this year the County Board of Supervisors, what is happening on the historical front. I think any local community can find something to do, even if it is to only hold your museum open longer or another day or to have coffee and cookies.

Most City Council meetings are now broadcast on local TV and many people watch this to see what is happening in their city. These proclamations in my area are generally read and delivered at the beginning of the meeting, when everyone is in the chambers and the people at home have not yet fallen asleep. I normally go in period costume to attract more attention when I am given the proclamation. I know that I get remembered better when I do that, and so will you.

We need to constantly let our elected officials and the general public know what is happening in the community with our historic resources. The National Trust for Historic Preservation puts a sample proclamation on their website every year. The theme changes from year to year, but the message is the same “Help us preserve our historic resources for future generations.”

Below my message, I am attaching this year’s sample proclamation. It only takes a minute to put your historical society in as co-sponsor and to whom you are asking to give the proclamation. Then print it out on your letter head and deliver it to your city clerk or supervisor. This is a suggested wording on the proclamation and they often will change certain words, and hopefully not take away too much of the intent. You should get this in soon, because it will take some time to get put on the agenda.

In addition, we're also featuring several links that might help provide more help in your efforts.

Al Minard,
CCHS President

National Trust website with Preservation Month information and ideas

California Association of Museums' California Museum Month information and ideas.

WHEREAS, historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability; and

WHEREAS, historic preservation is relevant for communities across the nation, both urban and rural, and for Americans of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, it is important to celebrate the role of history in our lives and the contributions made by dedicated individuals in helping to preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people; and

WHEREAS, "Making Preservation Work!" is the theme for National Preservation Month 2007, cosponsored by (name of organization in your state or city) and the National Trust for Historic Preservation

NOW, THEREFORE, I, (county supervisor, mayor of your city), do proclaim May 2007, as National Preservation Month, and call upon the people of (your county or city) to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance