National Historic Preservation Month

HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH 2026

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(theme & logo from the National Trust for Historic Preservation)

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we’re looking to the places that bring its most powerful promise to life, that “all people are created equal,” and to the preservationists making sure those places endure.

Open House Kick-off to National Historic Preservation Month
Friday, May 1, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
The Westman Hotel, Downtown Bend

Celebrate our beloved city by coming downtown to enjoy a spring First Friday Art Walk and learn about the renovation of the Bend Post Office into The Westman Hotel. Pick up a Hunt for History scavenger hunt for kids of all ages for a chance to win fun prizes. Learn the history of this one of a kind national landmark and join an informal tour. Hosted by the Deschutes Historical Museum and the City of Bend.

Heritage Walking Tour: The Early Days of Bend
Saturdays May 2, 10:30 am
Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, deschuteshistory.org

Learn about early Bend through the stories of six “Bendites” and how these residents helped transform a young hamlet into a booming town.
Reservations required: 541-389-1813 or deschuteshistory.org

Deschutes County Landmarks Commission Meeting
Monday, May 4, 5:30 pm
Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St, Bend

Deschutes County Landmarks Commission monthly meeting, open to the public.

Bend City Council Proclamation in support of National Historic Preservation Month
Wednesday, May 6, 7:00 pm
City Council Chambers, Bend

City Council adopts a proclamation declaring the month of May as National Preservation Month, recognizing the efforts of the Bend, Redmond, and Deschutes Landmarks Commissions along with the Deschutes Historical Museum and our community in the annual cultural events, historical recognitions and educational events.

Heritage Walking Tour: Reflections of History: An Architectural Tour
Saturdays May 9, 10:30 am
Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, deschuteshistory.org

Stroll through the Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District and take a step back in time when walking was the thing to do and neighborhoods were all about proximity. Participants will be introduced to the architectural styles represented in the neighborhood, hearing stories of a changing community. The tour begins and ends at the Deschutes Historical Museum. Approximately 90 minutes and one mile through the historic neighborhood. The sidewalks can be uneven.
Reservations required: 541-389-1813 or deschuteshistory.org

An Evening with Rick Atkinson: The War for America, 1777-1780
Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 pm
The Tower Theatre, Bend

In partnership with the Oregon Historical Society’s Mark O. Hatfield Lecture Series and the official America 250 Oregon statewide commemoration, Deschutes Historical Museum is proud to host a special event with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Rick Atkinson. Atkinson is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The British Are Coming and Fate of the Day, the first two volumes of his American Revolution Trilogy. General Admission $30, DCHS/OHS Members $25 Must use member code for discount, Ticket plus Individual level DCHS Membership $45. Tickets at towertheatre.org.

Redmond Landmarks Commission Worksession
May 14, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Redmond City Hall (411 SW 9th St, Room 207)

Redmond Landmarks Commission monthly worksession for final planning of Preservation Day.

Sisters Landmark Walking Tour
Thursday, May 14, 10-11:30
Sisters Museum, 151 N Spruce St.

Join us for a guided tour of downtown Sisters and discover the stories behind its most iconic landmarks. Stroll through the heart of town as knowledgeable guides share fascinating history, local insights, and hidden details you might otherwise miss. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, this tour offers a fresh perspective on the places that make Sisters unique. The tour is about 1.5 mi. Donation suggested. Pre-registration required: Go to Events at www.threesistershistoricalsociety.org Group tours available for parties of 6+. Contact: museum@threesistershistoricalsociety.org

Heritage Walking Tour: The Early Days of Bend
Saturdays May 16, 10:30 am
Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend,

Redmond Preservation Day
Saturday, May 16
Multiple Events

City Hall (former Redmond Union High School) Open House, 9 to 3: This is an opportunity to see the Redmond city hall. On the lower floor of city hall there will be informational panels about local sites, as well as information on the Bracero program which took place in Redmond between 1942 and 1962. In addition, there will be a looped video about city hall and the adaptive reuse process that went into its transformation from an educational institution from 1922 to 2011, to its current use as city hall from 2017 to present day.
Heritage Walking Tour: Redmond Historic Business District, 9:30 am: This tour will meet in front of city hall, and be led by the “ghost” of Chad Irvin, an early Redmond settler, and will encompass the Redmond Historic Business District on 6th Street, between Cedar and Forest Avenues. The tour will cover the historic buildings and architecture in the downtown business, and the stories of the people who built and/or owned them. The tour is approximately ten blocks, and will take about an hour. Redmond City Hall, 411 SW 9th Street, Redmond
Keynote Speaker: Trish Pinkerton, 11:00 am: Trish Pinkerton, member of the Redmond Historic Landmarks Commission and expert on local history, will be the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Greater Redmond Historic Society. As the daughter and granddaughter of Redmond residents, Trish will share many tales of the history of Redmond. As a long-time employee of the Redmond Spokesman, Trish has had access to and researched many of the stories of Redmond’s past. In 2009, Trish co-authored Images of America: Redmond with Leslie Pugmire Hole, which chronicled many of the stories she will speak to. This will take place at Desert Song Community Church, 433 SW 5th Street, Redmond.
Heritage Walking Tour: Redmond Historic Homes Tour, 2:00 pm: This tour will meet in front of city hall, and be led by the “ghost” of L.E. Smith, an early Redmond settler, and will encompass many of the historic homes just to the west of the original Redmond townsite. The tour will cover the historic homes and architecture styles in early residential Redmond, and the stories of the people who built and/or owned them. The tour is approximately a mile in length, but can be shortened based on individual needs. It will take a little over an hour.
Redmond City Hall, 411 SW 9th Street, Redmond
Oral Histories: Tell Your Stories, 2:00 – 4:00 pm: This event will take place upstairs at the Redmond Public Library. This is an opportunity for people to tell their stories about the structures and events of Redmond from days gone by. No appointment is needed, simply show up at the library to tell your story. Please feel free to tell your story as an individual, or come with family members and/or friends to tell your stories together. These histories will be recorded by students from the TV/Production program at Ridgeview High School.
Redmond Public Library, 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond

Sisters Landmark Walking Tour
Sunday, May 17, 10-11:30
Sisters Museum, 151 N Spruce St.

Bend Landmarks Commission meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 6:00 pm
City Council Chambers, Bend

Bend Landmarks Commission monthly meeting.

Heritage Walking Tour: Redmond Historic Business District
Thursday, May 21, 5:30 pm

This tour will meet in front of city hall, and be led by the “ghost” of Chad Irvin, an early Redmond settler, and will encompass the Redmond Historic Business District on 6th Street, between Cedar and Forest Avenues. The tour will cover the historic buildings and architecture in the downtown business, and the stories of the people who built and/or owned them. The tour is approximately ten blocks, and will take about an hour. Redmond City Hall, 411 SW 9th Street, Redmond

Property Research Workshop: “What Was At That Address”
Saturday, May 23, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

The most asked questions at the museum are often those pertaining to property. “When was my home built? Who lived in my house? What was here when…?” Join Vanessa Ivey, Museum Manager, as she shares her tricks and tips of uncovering property history. Vanessa will expand on an earlier workshop she led in 2021 on researching rural properties and include ways to track down urban homes and businesses within Bend’s city limits. Learn what resources you have at your fingertips from home, and reference materials you can find available at the museum.

Registration is required as space is limited. $50 per person.
Property Research Workshop- What Was At That Address
Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend

Opening Doors to History
May 23, 2026, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
Rosland Park, 16525 Burgess Road, La Pine

Join us at this open house to meet and greet our new museum group. See our historic building before it is restored. View displays and videos of historic photos. Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. Learn about historic south county events, share and record stories, a raffle and snacks. Recruit volunteers and fundraise.

Heritage Walking Tour: Reflections of History: An Architectural Tour
Saturdays May 23, 10:30 am
Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend, deschuteshistory.org

Stroll through the Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District and take a step back in time when walking was the thing to do and neighborhoods were all about proximity. Participants will be introduced to the architectural styles represented in the neighborhood, hearing stories of a changing community. The tour begins and ends at the Deschutes Historical Museum. Approximately 90 minutes and one mile through the historic neighborhood. The sidewalks can be uneven. Reservations required: 541-389-1813 or deschuteshistory.org

Heritage Walking Tour: Redmond Historic Homes Tour
Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 pm

This tour will meet in front of city hall, and be led by the “ghost” of L.E. Smith, an early Redmond settler, and will encompass many of the historic homes just to the west of the original Redmond townsite. The tour will cover the historic homes and architecture styles in early residential Redmond, and the stories of the people who built and/or owned them. The tour is approximately a mile in length, but can be shortened based on individual needs. It will take a little over an hour.
Redmond City Hall, 411 SW 9th Street, Redmond

Preserving America for the Next Generation: Involving Younger People in Preservation

Wednesday, May 27, 11:00 am

(live link to zoom meeting in title)

Historic preservation is not just the work of academics and professionals, it belongs to everyone. Yet many young people remain unaware of preservation efforts, and even fewer realize it as a potential career path. Without engaging the next generation, the future of safeguarding America’s heritage remains uncertain. Preserving historic places is not only about protecting the past, but also about inspiring future stewards to carry that legacy forward. By making preservation accessible, relevant, and fun, we can foster a deeper appreciation for history while equipping youth with skills that connect heritage to their everyday lives. In this webinar, we will hear from panelists who are finding creative ways to involve youth in preservation. Join us as we explore strategies for engaging younger generations, the tools that make preservation meaningful across age groups, and how today’s efforts can ensure the survival of America’s heritage for generations to come.

Redmond Landmarks Commission Meeting
May 28, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Redmond City Hall (411 SW 9th St, Room 207)
Redmond Landmarks Commission monthly meeting.

EDCO Central Oregon Pub Talk: 100 Years of Bend Water
Thursday, May 28, 4:30 – 7:00 pm

Description TBD

Come Along On the Oregon Trail: Archaeological Society of Central Oregon
Friday, May 29, 2:30 pm
Deschutes Historical Museum

Join Lynda Paznokas as she shares her insights into the rationale behind making the journey West, the treacherous landscapes they crossed, and the reality discovered at the end of the trail. Using photographs, journal entries, and Lynda’s own research, “Come Along on the Oregon Trail” sheds light on misconceptions about this fascinating and complicated time in United States history. Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave, Bend

Heritage Walking Tour: The Early Days of Bend
Saturdays May 30, 10:30 am
Deschutes Historical Museum, 129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend, deschuteshistory.org

Sisters Heritage Home Walking Tour
Saturday, May 30, 10-11:30 am
Village Green

This is a leisurely walk south of Cascade, exploring the charm and stories of Sister’s past, highlighting nine homes and buildings from as early as 1910. It covers early years of the US Forest Service, logging influence, farming and ranching, and Sisters’ importance as a traveler’s way stop. Families of interest include store merchants, the first police chief, a founding member of the Sisters Rodeo, and the stories of a country doctor. The tour is about a mile long. Donation suggested. Pre-registration required: Go to Events at www.threesistershistoricalsociety.org Group tours available for parties of 6+. Contact: museum@threesistershistoricalsociety.org