Everyone has places that are important to them; Places they care about. Places with significance enough that communities rally to save them.

This Place Matters, a national campaign that encourages people to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and to their communities, is an initiative set forth by the National Trust for Historic Preservation [National Trust]. This Place Matters became an exciting mission to join for the Richmond Hill Historical Society [The Society] after Mayor Russ Carpenter announced the proclamation naming the month of May, Historic Preservation Month in Richmond Hill. The proclamation was intended to promote historic places, instill community pride, encourage heritage tourism and show the benefits of historic preservation.

One might pass by significant places without a thought— maybe not realizing how much they matter, or maybe they are lost in today’s news. This initiative gives our community a chance at making these locations known.

Historic districts and local landmarks increase our property values and give us a better quality of life. Historic sites promote heritage tourism, which is also good for our economy. We must commit to thinking deeply and opening the dialogue about the importance of place and preservation in all of our lives. 

Share your favorite sites and tag The Richmond Hill (Georgia Historical Society on Facebook. Be sure to use the hashtag #thisplacematters.

Check out the Heritage Trail for many other places of importance.