COVINGTON, Ky. – In recognition of the importance of preserving historic buildings and sites, the Covington Board of Commissioners has declared May “Historic Preservation Month.”

This proclamation is in support of Preservation Month nationally, which was established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“One of Covington’s most defining characteristics is the many historic buildings that contribute to its uniqueness and charm,” Mayor Sherry Carran said. “Covington has always been proud of this aspect of our heritage and recognized the importance of preserving these architectural gems.”

Covington has the second highest number of properties listed on the National Register of Historic places in Kentucky. Most of these are located within the city’s seventeen National Register Historic Districts and include individual sites such as the Daniel Carter Beard Home and Mother of God Catholic Church.

“Preservation of Covington’s historic buildings and sites is a proven economic development tool,” said planning and preservation specialist Emily Ahouse.  “It creates jobs, attracts investment, revitalizes downtowns and neighborhoods, stimulates tourism, assists affordable housing, and increases property values.”

This year’s national campaign, This Place Matters, encourages people to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and to their communities with the goal of inspiring an ongoing dialogue about the importance of place and preservation.

Community members can join in the celebration by taking a photo at a historic place in Covington and sharing the photo on social media with a reason why the place matters and the hashtags #ThisPlaceMatters and #preservethecov.

Also a part of the month’s celebrations is the annual River Cities Preservation Awards. The awards recognize outstanding efforts to preserve and maintain historic properties in Covington, Bellevue, Ludlow and Newport.

Nominees will be announced in the next few days. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. on May 19 at the Ludlow City Building, 227 Elm Street, Ludlow KY.