By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Owners of historic homes and businesses are being asked to share stories of their structures with the community in May.
A dozen or so property owners in Bowling Green have signed up to celebrate National Historical Preservation Month by putting “History Lives Here” signs in their yards. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission is hopeful that many more will come forward to recognize the significance of the buildings.
The signs will help history buffs and others take self-guided tours of neighborhoods where homes and businesses tell the story of Bowling Green’s earlier days.
“Hopefully we’ll see lots of those signs around Bowling Green,” Chris Mowen, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, said during a recent meeting of the group.
The deadline to sign up for the “History Lives Here” designation is April 7. Residents or business owners can sign up their properties here or by emailing or calling the Planning Department at 419-354-6218.
Property owners are asked to submit a photo of the home or business, plus a brief history of the site. It’s not necessary to have a lot of details, and Bowling Green Planning Director Heather Sayler said her office can help research the history of a building if the owner requests.
The “History Lives Here” signs will have QR codes that can be scanned for the historical details. On the background of each sign will be a print of the 1888 map of Bowling Green.
The Historic Preservation Commission hopes to develop a map that people can use to navigate from one site to the next.
“Get the word out. Talk to your neighbors,” Sayler said during a recent meeting of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Participation will help bring awareness to local preservation efforts and recognize properties included in the self-guided walking tour throughout May.
The HPC was established in 2019 to help preserve, promote and educate the community about local history and historic buildings in Bowling Green.
Learn more about the Historic Preservation Commission
