Making Anderson County history shine
Apr. 25—Visit Palestine is hosting a countywide Historic Marker Cleanup Day in conjunction with National Historic Marker Day on Friday, April 26.
"This day is a time for citizens, businesses and civic organizations to come together to clean up historic markers," said Cassie Ham, tourism marketing manager for the city. "Some of these markers just need a gentle wash while others need a full restoration."
Since 2021, volunteers, groups and organizations across the nation have come together on the last Friday in April to help preserve historic markers by providing cleaning and maintenance.
Ham said Palestine was recognized nationally in 2023 as one of the top communities for marker cleanup.
"We want to continue that trend," she said.
According to The Historical Marker Database, there are more than 190,000 markers in the U.S.
Anderson County has 140 historic markers at various historic homes, churches, courthouses, schools, cemeteries and other points of interest.
"On National Historic Marker Day, we have the opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the markers that preserve and honor our past," said City Manager Teresa Herrera. "These markers serve as physical reminders of the people and events that shaped our city's and county's history, and they play a crucial role in educating and inspiring future generations."
Herrera said last year, she and members of the city council had the privilege of participating in the cleaning and maintenance of some of historic markers in our community.
"It was a meaningful experience that allowed us to actively contribute to the preservation of the markers," she said. "By cleaning these markers, we not only helped to ensure their longevity but also showed our appreciation for the stories they tell and the lessons they impart."
Ham said each volunteer or group is allowed to choose a marker important to them to adopt from the Visit Palestine's list on their website and some supplies may be provided by the Palestine Visitor Center.
