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Why Preservation?
May is Preservation Month, but for HA and so many other organizations nationally every day is preservation day! Here are some reasons why preservation matters to me, to HA, to Annapolis, and hopefully to you.
I was meant to be a preservationist long before I knew it was a career option, course of study, or my passion. I’m the daughter of an architect and a lifelong history student (nerd), which means I’ve always been interested in place and architecture. I love opportunities to share history skills with property owners and community members, like how to research your historic home. (Spoiler: if your building is over 50 years old—and it likely is—it’s probably historic.) A career in preservation also allows me to connect the preservation of beloved places and buildings with environmental sustainability and resiliency. Our action and advocacy today means future generations will have an Annapolis to love.
Preservation matters to HA because it’s one of our fundamental reasons for being. We are one of many preservation groups organized in the mid-20th century to literally save buildings from demolition in obviously historic places. Think Charleston, New Orleans, Boston, Providence, Alexandria, Annapolis, and so many more. All of these notable places are enjoyed today because of progressive, resourceful, and relentless preservation efforts for decades. In 2027, HA will celebrate its 75th anniversary. We invite you to join us as we reflect on all the work that we’ve accomplished with the support of members like you and our partner for many years, the State of Maryland, and on all that needs to be done continually—and maybe in some new ways—to protect Annapolis.
Annapolis is a destination for residents and visitors—and the odd Mid, Johnnie, and state legislator—because of the way it looks and feels. But the Annapolis of 2025 is not by chance or through preservation by neglect. It’s the result of decades of active preservation by HA, the City, the State, institutions, and individual property owners who are stewards of the buildings that make up this magical little capital city on the Chesapeake. Preservation is not a matter of one and done; we have to keep at it. But that doesn’t mean freezing the place in amber or restricting us to 18th or 19th century comforts and conveniences. Talk to any true preservationist, and you’ll learn that we are actually radically reasonable.
Are you a preservationist? If you appreciate the past for the stories and lessons it holds—with so much still to be cultivated and explored—and love of this place today for yourself and on behalf of those who will follow us, you’re in that number. We welcome your support in all the ways that it can happen because while preservation takes funding and a good architect, it also requires constancy and champions.
Rachel Robinson
Vice President, Preservation