Community supporters Marilyn Delk and Eileen Litchfield demonstrate the importance of our built environment.
Main Street Greenville and Bear’s Mill are collaborating to bring historic preservation awareness to the Greenville and Darke County community. They have teamed up with local citizens that will join thousands of individuals and communities across the country to celebrate National Preservation Month this May. “Old is the New Green” is the theme of the month-long celebration sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This month is an opportunity to appreciate our uniquely constructed built environment and local heritage.
In 1971 the National Trust for Historic Preservation created this spotlight on grassroots preservation efforts in America. Since then it has grown into an annual celebration observed by towns across the nation. Thousands of state and local community groups will honor their distinct histories with events that bring historic preservation to the forefront of Americans’ daily lives by emphasizing the vital importance of protecting our nation’s past. In Greenville, historic reservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing livability.
Historic preservation is relevant for Greenville citizens of all ages, all walks of life and all income levels. Main Street Greenville and Bear’s Mill feel it is especially 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 our community. Please help us to recognize local historic preservation and participate in this special observance.
Main Street Greenville and Bear’s Mill have compiled the following list of free or low costs tours and special events planned during May. Take the opportunity to learn about architecture, parks, and neighborhoods. Become a tourist in your own city.
PRESERVATION MONTH 2010 ACTIVITIES LISTING
Bear’s Mill Spring Open House
Date: May 1 and May 2, 11:00am-5:00pm
Description: Free guided tours with the Master Mill both days 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00. Recycled wool hooked rug demonstration by Angie Ditmer of Plain & Simple Cabin Sunday at 2:00
Location: Bear’s Mill, 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road, Greenville
Contact: 937-548-5112
Upper Floor Tour
Date: May 8, 10:00am-1:00pm
Description: Explore the beauty of downtown Greenville’s Upper Floors. Envision the potential, possibilities and opportunities that await on the above tiers of our historic buildings.
Location: Downtown Greenville
Contact: Tickets are $5 each and available at The Bistro Off Broadway, Parties Décor and More and Main Street Greenville. Tickets will also be available the day of event.
Architectural Scavenger Hunt
Date: All month long
Description: Take the family along for a scavenger hunt above eye level. Explore the central business district with eyes of an architect. Discover the detail in architectural elements that host on our historic buildings. Make it a game, fun conversation piece, or what have you. Just get out and enjoy our unique architecture.
Location: Downtown Greenville
Contact: Print out your own hunt at www.DowntownGreenville.org or visit the visitors’ rack in The Palace Building for a copy.
Bike to the Mill
Date: All month long
Description: Take a leisurely bike ride from Downtown Greenville to the Mill. Enjoy the beautiful nature scene on this 10 mile ride through rural Darke County.
Location: Route begins in downtown Greenville. Route map located in The Palace Building visitors’ rack.
Top Reasons Old is the New Green Display
Date: All month long
Description: Green energy and practices are a hot topic. Learn how downtown and historic buildings like Bear’s Mill and downtown districts have always been green. Find new ways to be green in your everyday life.
Location: Downtown Greenville storefronts.
Cashing for Green: Geocaching
Date: All month long
Description: Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.
Location: Downtown Greenville and surrounding neighborhoods, Bear’s Mill
Contact: View the geocaching coordinates
Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in Historic Downtown Greenville. Funding support is received from the public and private sector, grants and fundraisers in order to fulfill its mission.
The Friends of Bear’s Mill keep the Mill open to the public through donations and grants, an educational tour program, Mill Store & Gallery sales and several special events that generate interest in and visitation to the historic site.
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