NASHVILLE–Howard County Judge Kevin Smith is among 118 officials in 62 counties who have declared May as Historic Preservation Month and Arkansas Heritage Month, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced last week.
“As we enjoy these month-long celebrations of our Arkansas heritage, we hope all of the people of Arkansas will take time to reflect on the importance of their local historic sites, especially those listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” McSwain said. (A list of Howard County’s National Register properties can be found at http://www.arkansaspreservation.com/historic-properties/national-register/search.aspx.)
Judge Smith’s proclamation reads as follows:
“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, we celebrate each May as National Preservation Month and Arkansas Heritage Month, cosponsored by Howard County, the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kevin Smith, Howard County Judge, do proclaim May 2015 as National Preservation Month and Arkansas Heritage Month and call upon the people of Howard County to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance.”
