Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Celebrates National Preservation Month
During the month of May, Georgia preservationists will join in a nationwide celebration of 2026 National Preservation Month.
Every year in May, local preservation groups, state historical societies, and business and civic organizations across the country celebrate Preservation Month through events that promote historic places and heritage tourism, and that demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.
Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. In 2005, the National Trust extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states.
In Georgia, National Historic Preservation Month will be observed with activities hosted by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. In addition, dozens of communities across Georgia will offer local celebrations for community members through their local historical societies, Main Street Programs, and other local preservation non-profit groups.
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is celebrating Preservation Month with in-person events and virtual workshops, including the annual Spring Stroll Tour of Homes & Gardens in Macon, Neel Reid Prize panel discussion in Atlanta, virtual workshop on historic windows, and virtual lunch and learn about the hazards of lead-based paint. More details about each event are included below. For more information and to register for events, visit https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/preservation-month/.
Spring Stroll Tour of Homes & Gardens
May 2-3
Tour Headquarters: Hay House, 934 Georgia Avenue, Macon, Georgia 30201
Hosted by the Hay House, a property of the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, this year’s Spring Stroll will shine a spotlight on the homes and designs of architect Neel Reid. Join us in exploring Neel Reid sites throughout the city, featuring some of the city’s most breathtaking private gardens and residences. Purchase tickets at GeorgiaTrust.org.
Historic Windows Virtual Workshop
May 8 | 10-11 a.m.
This virtual workshop will explore the value and care of historic windows. Led by Doug Romaine, Historic Preservation Advisor with Austin Historical, this session will cover why preserving original windows matters—and how to approach their repair and restoration with confidence. This event is free, but registration is required at GeorgiaTrust.org.
Lunch & Learn: Hazards of Lead-Based Paint
May 20 | 12–1 p.m.
This one‑hour lecture introduces the potential health hazards associated with renovating and remodeling older homes. Participants will learn how these risks arise during typical home improvement projects and what basic steps to take to recognize, minimize, and prevent harmful exposures before picking up that hammer. This session will be led by Jenny Houlroyd with Safety, Health, Environmental Services (SHES) at Georgia Tech. This event is free, but registration is required at GeorgiaTrust.org.
Neel Reid Prize Panel Discussion: Reflections on Travel, Practice, and Influence
May 27 | 7 p.m.
Rhodes Hall | 1516 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
Join the Georgia Trust for a special Neel Reid Prize panel discussion at Rhodes Hall. Instead of a traditional lecture, this year’s program features past recipients Michael Kleeman (2002), Clay Rokicki (2010), and Blake Segars (2011) reflecting on their study travels and how the Prize has influenced their careers. Through a moderated conversation, the panel will explore the lasting impact of travel, observation, and classical design on their current work in architecture and preservation. This event is free, but RSVP is requested at GeorgiaTrust.org.
About the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation
Founded in 1973, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocates their appreciation, protection and use.
As one of the country’s leading statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations, the Trust generates community revitalization by finding buyers for endangered properties acquired by its Revolving Fund and raises awareness of other endangered historic resources through an annual listing of Georgia’s Places in Peril. The Trust recognizes outstanding preservation efforts through its annual Preservation Awards, supports students and professionals with the Neel Reid Prize and Liz Lyon Fellowship, and offers a range of grant programs dedicated to protecting and preserving historic places throughout the state. The Trust offers a variety of educational programs for adults and children, provides technical assistance to property owners and historic communities, advocates for funding, tax incentives and other laws aiding preservation efforts, and manages two house museums in Atlanta (Rhodes Hall) and Macon (Hay House). To learn more, visit www.georgiatrust.org.
I sure hope someday,in my county of McIntosh, that the first peoples ,the Guale Moccoma Yamassee are included in s.e. Ga history. There are documented burial sacred sites all over s.e. Ga. Yet there is No, not one,historical marker stating their vast history of over 8 to 12 thousands years.on Sapa now called Sapelo Island there are 6 documented burial mounds, and 3 shell rings that surrounded the villages. Tajlie/Aso now called Darien was their most important town. The Moccoma northern most town is stilled called Tolamotto. The river called Atlhama, needs to be corrected as it’s named after the leader Atlhaman. Someday maybe someone,will care.