Historic Preservation Month activities connect present with past in Benton and Linn Counties
Benton County invites all community members to dive into the past during Benton-Linn Preservation Month 2025. The Benton County Historic Resources Commission (HRC) and partner organizations will host more than 30 events for the May commemoration, starting April 24, that highlight the history of our area.
Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month is co-sponsored by local preservation groups, state historical societies, businesses and civic organizations across the country. Events throughout May promote historic places for the purpose of instilling national and community pride, promoting heritage tourism and showing the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.
Participants don’t have to be history buffs to appreciate the events in Benton and Linn Counties. These opportunities can be enjoyed by people with all levels of prior experience and historical knowledge. Scheduled events include:
- Exploring local restoration and renovation projects that will delight fans of HGTV and This Old House.
- Neighborhood and district walking tours that combine history with outdoor activity in the glorious spring weather.
- Opportunities to learn about early Benton County residents who don’t appear in history books, like people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women and immigrants.
- Hands-on project workshops: cleaning headstones at Crystal Lake Cemetery, repointing chimney brick, and restoring historic windows.
The Benton County HRC coordinates with the State Historic Preservation Office and property owners to promote the preservation of local historic sites, objects and culture. The group aims to inspire celebration of the rich history of our structures and places, and the people connected to them, encouraging interest in preserving them for future generations.
“Historic preservation benefits communities, socially and economically,” said Morgan Driggs, Benton County planner and Historic Resources Commission liaison. “It builds local pride, keeps historic commercial areas vital, emphasizes what is unique about each place, and creates strong feelings of connection with the areas where we live and work.”
Most events are free and open to the public; some require reservations as space is limited. For a complete schedule visit bit.ly/bentonhpm.
