"This Place Matters," is the theme of the month-long celebration sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and locally cosponsored by the High Point Museum and the High Point Historical Society. National Preservation Month celebrates the diverse and unique heritage of our country's cities and states. This Place Matters is national campaign that encourages people across the country to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and their communities.
The proclamation states “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.”
The John Haley House, located in the Historic Park adjacent to the High Point Museum, is listed on the Register of Historic Places. The Hoggatt House (1801) and a blacksmith shop (1841) also are located in the Museum's Historical Park. The Little Red Schoolhouse served as a one-room public school for first graders between 1931 and 1961. The City of High Point has three historic districts and numerous historic structures.
"The Little Red Schoolhouse also is special because it was the first home for the High Point Museum until our building on East Lexington Avenue was constructed," Edith Brady, Museum Director, said. "We are excited to be partnering with the High Point Historical Society to restore and move the Little Red Schoolhouse to the Museum campus where it can be enjoyed by High Point children once again."
Throughout this month, High Point Museum staff will host programs to discuss how to preserve family memories and mementos. Each week the staff will focus on a different type of material and will show easy at-home tips and tricks to keep heirlooms around for the next generation. The programs will be held at 3 pm at the High Point Museum, 1859 E. Lexington Avenue, and then at 6 pm at the High Point Public Library, 901 N. Main Street, in the Morgan Community Room.
• Tuesday, May 3 – Paper objects
Learn about the best ways to preserve birth and death certificates, journals, photographs, and a variety of other paper goods.
• Tuesday, May 10 – Textile objects
Learn about the different types of textiles and what works best for each. Examples will include children's clothing, needlepoint samplers, quilts, and other related items.
• Tuesday, May 17 – Wood & Metal objects
Woods and metals are more stable than some other materials but still require special attention to keep them in their best condition.
• Tuesday, May 24 – After a Disaster!
Find out what you can do when fire, water, wind, or time have damaged a piece. Learn when you can do the work yourself and when you should call a professional in to help.
The National Trust for Historic Places, a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America's historic places. For more information, visit SavingPlaces.org.
The High Point Museum, a division of the High Point Public Library, is dedicated to sharing Greater High Point’s history, providing perspective for current issues, and strengthening the sense of community.
The City of High Point aims to serve as the catalyst for bringing together the community's human, economic and civic resources for the purpose of creating the single most livable, safe and prosperous community in America. For more information on the City, visit www.highpointnc.gov
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