Celebrating 2017’s National Historic Preservation Month

Albany has long been synonymous with history and heritage. From our concentrated “collection” of Victorian Era architectural wonders to our seasonal tours of historic sites, graveyards, and living history displays, our city is passionate about retaining its roots to the past. National Preservation Month is an opportunity to celebrate Albany’s historical treasure with events (most of them free) throughout May.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation encourages cities across the nation to raise awareness about the month-long event, and states that “Preservation Month was designed to raise awareness about the power historic preservation has to protect and enhance our homes, neighborhoods and communities – the places that really matter to us. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and towns, and enables all of us to become involved in the growing preservation movement.”

The following events are planned to show-off Albany’s historical attractions, instill community pride, promote heritage tourism, and showcase the social and economic benefits of historic preservation:

May 1st – May 22nd

Hidden History Scavenger Hunt Photo Tour (sponsored by the Natty Dresser). Information and entry forms are available at the Albany Downtown Association, 126 SW Ferry St, Albany. Return your entries to the ADA by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, to be eligible to win a prize. The grand prize winner will be announced at the Preservation Awards ceremony on May 24th at the City Council meeting, 7:15 p.m., Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. For more information contact the Albany Downtown Association at 541-928-2469.

May 1st – May 31st

A Historic Albany Display will be on hand at the Albany City Hall and the Albany Public Libraries. The event is presented by the City of Albany Landmarks Commission. The City Hall, Main Library and the Historic Carnegie Library show-cases will be filled with displays that are viewable during their regular business hours. Hours of operation: City Hall: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 333 Broadalbin SW. Main Library: Monday – Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., 2450 14th Avenue SE, 541-917-7580. Historic Downtown Carnegie Library: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.mm – 6:00 p.m., 302 Ferry Street SW, 541-917-7585. Free admission.

Albany’s Old Fashioned Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Purchase hand-picked produce, fresh flowers, baked bread, local eggs and meats, and many other wonderful items. Located at 4th and Ellsworth, in the City Hall parking lot. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.locallygrown.org.

May 5th (Friday)

Come participate in the Friday Wine Walk in Historic Downtown Albany from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Over 20 wineries are participating. Sponsored by the Albany Rotary Club. For more information, telephone 541-928-0911, or stop by the Albany Visitors Association on Third and Lyon for ticket purchases. Adults over over 21 please.

May 6th (Saturday)

The City of Albany Landmarks Commission presents a window repair workshop with Chris Gustafson of the Vintage Window; class runs from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This comprehensive class will include how vintage windows work, basic window repair techniques and simple maintenance techniques for homeowners. Space is limited, reservations required. For more information, telephone Shawna Adams, 541-791-0176 or email shawna.adams@cityofalbany.net. The workshop is free.

Albany Tweed Ride Meet at Monteith Riverpark at noon for an hour-long tour of historic Albany. The ride and tour is held in conjunction with the Albany Vintage Bicycle Show that opens at 1:00 p.m. at the Deluxe Brewery (see below). Vintage attire is encouraged—celebrate bikes, beer, and tweed! For more information, visit the event Facebook page.

The 4th Annual Albany Vintage Bicycle Show is presented by Deluxe Brewing Co. and runs from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 635 NE Water Ave. Register online at www.deluxebrewing.com. View a collection of interesting, rare, and memorable vintage bicycles, and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award. 2017 Categories: Best Original Condition, Best Restored Condition, Best Custom Build, Best BMX (Freestyle or Race), Most Unique/Rare Bicycle. All ages welcome in the main brewery area. Tasting room open to 21 and over. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase and there will be a local food truck on site. For more information email: albanybikeshow@gmail.com. Free Admission.

May 10th (Wednesday)

The Albany Regional Museum presents its brown bag lunch series “History Bites.” May’s presentation is on the Albany Fire Department, from 1862 to present day. Darrel Tedisch, a former Albany Fire Chief and current Board Chair of the Albany Regional Museum, is the featured guest speaker. This ongoing series is being offered the second Wednesday of each month at noon. Bring your own lunch. Beverages and light snacks provided. Regular museum hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The museum is located at 136 Lyon Street S. Visit their website at www.armuseum.com or telephone 541-967-7122 for more information. Admission to both History Bites and the museum is free.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 1st Ave. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Meet at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by the Natty Dresser. Telephone 541-979-9108 or visit www.monteithhouse.org for more information. Admission is free and donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.

May 12th – June 3rd (various dates)

Albany Civic Theater (ACT) is one of the oldest, best-known community theaters in Oregon. ACT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that takes pride in producing top-quality comedies, dramas, and musicals, as well as providing creative opportunities for local actors, technicians, and theater lovers. In the month of May, ACT presents “Sweeney Todd” (the musical), directed by Ken Long. ACT is located at 111 First Avenue W, in downtown Albany. For more information on ticket prices, performance dates and times, visit www.albanycivic.org

May 13th (Saturday)

Monteith House Museum’s Pre-Season Clean-up, is a community-driven effort. It runs 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at the Monteith House on 518 2nd Ave SW. The Monteith Society will lead volunteers in some clean up and light maintenance of Albany’s oldest home. An Open House will follow the clean-up event from noon to 3:00 p.m. Telephone 541-928-0911 for more information.

The Albany Regional Museum presents the Historic Albany Railway Tour, at three times on Saturday: 10:00 a.m.,11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Assemble at 136 Lyon St S, and hop aboard Albany’s vintage trolley with Bill Maddy (Albany Regional Museum railroad historian) for a narrated ride on historic Albany railways. Guests are also invited to step inside the museum to see the expanded train station display. The story of how the railroad came to Albany is instrumental in the growth of our town. Reservations are recommended, so please telephone and reserve your ticket to board: 541- 967-7122. The tour is free.

The City of Albany Landmarks Commission presents a Walking Tour of Riverside Cemetery. Located at the west end of 7th Ave SW, meet at 6:30 p.m. at the main entrance. The 30 minute tour will feature the burial plots and markers of prominent locals, interesting stories, and examples of tombstone art and interpretation. The tour will take place if weather permits. Interested parties please RSVP k.kolkow@icloud.com. Admission is free.

May 17th (Wednesday)

The Historic Downtown Walking Tour of 2nd Ave will start at 7:30 p.m. Assemble at Burkhart Square (Lyon and First Ave). Learn about Albany’s historic architecture and history. Sponsored by the Natty Dresser, telephone 541-979-9108 or visit  www.monteithhouse.org for more information. Admission is free, however, donations can be made to the Monteith Historical Society.

May 20th (Saturday)

The Masonic Cemetery Clean-up  will take place from 9:00 a.m.- noon. Snacks will be provided. Assemble at 700 Broadway Street SW (west end of 6th & 7th Ave SW).

A Kitchen Talk and Tour will be presented by the City of Albany Landmarks Commission from 12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tour the kitchens of four historic Albany homes. Kitchens represented vary in time-period, originality, and style. Owners will give an overview, answer questions, and touch on the intelligent layouts of historic kitchens, difficulties in historic kitchen design (and how to overcome them), and styles and materials that are appropriate for the timeframe. Space for the tour is limited. Reservations are required and can be made through the City Planning Department at Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. Telephone 541-791-0176 or email shawna.adams@cityofalbany.net. The tour is free.

May 21st (Sunday)

The Linn County Historical Society presents Stories from the Santiam Wagon Road. The event starts at 2:00 p.m. USFS volunteer and SWR advocate Marcia Morse will conduct the presentation at the Lakeside Center, located at the Mennonite Village, 2180 54th Avenue SE in Albany. All programs sponsored by the Linn County Historical Society are free and open to the public. Telephone 541-926-4680 for more information.

May 24th (Wednesday)

The Preservation Awards will take place during the Albany City Council meeting at 7:15 p.m., at the Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin Street SW. Telephone 541-791-0176 or email shawna.adams@cityofalbany.net for more information. The event is free.

May 28th – May 29th (Sunday and Monday)

Albany Masonic Cemetery Memorial Weekend Recognition. This self-guided cemetery walking tour starts at 700 Broadway Street SW. Information will be available on site. Questions? Contact jkgrif@comcast.net  or telephone 541-967-1941. The tour is free.