Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading preservation organization committed to preserving and protecting Savannah’s heritage, is pleased to announce the schedule for the fifth annual Savannah Preservation Festival, which will take place in Savannah May 5-7, 2016. This year’s events and programs mark the 50th anniversary of Savannah’s designation as a National Historic Landmark District.
 
The National Trust for Historic Preservation designates May of each year as “Preservation Month.” HSF’s educational festival will highlight what makes Savannah unique. Event programming includes the 2016 HSF Preservation Awards luncheon, a free opening lecture and reception, a wine tasting and home tour and a free block party on Broughton Street.
 
“During the 2016 Savannah Preservation Festival, will celebrate several milestones: the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act and Savannah’s designation as a National Historic Landmark District, and the Centennial of the National Park Service,” said Daniel Carey, president and CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation. “Anyone with even a modicum of interest in our city’s history should attend the festival and join in the celebration.”
 
Here is an overview of the 2016 Savannah Preservation Festival schedule:
 
Preservation Awards Luncheon Sponsored by KEIM Mineral Coatings of America, Inc.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Savannah Golf Club, 1661 E. President Street
$45 per person
Historic Savannah Foundation honors the best of preservation by presenting awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions demonstrate excellence in historic preservation. The award winners will be announced and their projects recognized during HSF’s Preservation Awards Luncheon.
 
Re-Ribbon Cutting in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Savannah’s National Landmark District Designation
Thursday, May 5, 2016
4 p.m.
Columbia Square
Join elected officials and representatives from the National Park Service, Chatham County, City of Savannah, Visit Savannah, SCAD, Savannah Technical College and HSF as they mark the 50th anniversary of the designation of Savannah’s National Landmark District with a re-ribbon cutting and birthday cake.

The Louise Lauretti Lecture Series: Women In Preservation supported by the Louise Lauretti Foundation
Thursday, May 5, 2016
6 p.m.
SCAD Museum of Art, 601 Turner Blvd.
Free and open to the public. Reception to follow.
The Louise Lauretti Lecture Series focuses on the leading role women play in historic preservation throughout the country and, particularly, in Savannah.  This year’s keynote speaker is Kennedy Smith, one of the country’s foremost experts on Main Street commercial district revitalization, downtown economics, and independent business development. Following her keynote address, Kennedy Smith will be joined by Sherri Fields, Deputy Regional Director, Southeast Region for the National Park Service and SCAD graduate student, Ashley-Anne East, for a panel discussion on how women will help shape the future of preservation.
 
Wine Tasting & Home Tour: Sites Throughout the Landmark District’s Warren and Washington Wards Sponsored by United Community Bank
Friday, May 6, 2016
6 - 9 p.m.
Early check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. in Washington Square
$75 per person
Tour some of Savannah’s finest private homes and sample fine wines paired with gourmet appetizers during this self-guided walking tour in the heart of Warren and Washington Wards in the Landmark Historic District.
 
The Block Party: Broughton Street Sponsored by DPR Construction
Saturday, May 7, 2016
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
100 Block of West Broughton Street
Free and open to the public
What better place to see preservation in progress than on dynamic and vibrant Broughton Street? Savannah’s traditional commercial core, Broughton Street is home to dozens of retail stores and residential lofts, scores of historic buildings, and hundreds of jobs.  This festive and family-friendly event will include:
Pennies for Preservation Poster Contest
Educational/Interactive Exhibits
Student Exhibits
Craftsmen Exhibits
Bike Valet
Food & Drink
Live Music
 
Festival event tickets available at myHSF.org.