A Moment to Celebrate

May was a busy and meaningful month, and I want to take a moment to thank you.

Our 55th Annual Historic Homes Tour on South Temple was a true highlight. It wasn’t just about seeing these amazing homes and the families who care for them, but also about the community that came together to celebrate. To everyone who bought a ticket, volunteered, opened their home, or helped spread the word: this event only happens because of you, and I am grateful.

May is National Historic Preservation Month, and communities across Utah celebrated in ways that reminded me why this work is important. From neighborhood walks and landmark recognitions to advocacy at city halls and county commissions, Preservation Month 2026 showed a commitment to the places that ground us. Preservation Utah was proud to be part of it, and we are already looking forward to doing even more.

I also want to share some news about our team. Liz Joerger is now our Historic Properties Manager. Liz has been with Preservation Utah for over ten years, and no one knows or cares about this program more than she does. Our historic properties work is in great hands, and I am glad she is leading it. We are also hiring a new Program and Volunteer Manager, which shows how important our volunteers and community programs are to us. We are still looking for a Director of Preservation, which is a new role for us. If you know someone who would be a good fit, please let me know.

Looking ahead, on June 11 we will host the Preservation Engaged Conference Opening Reception at Memorial House in Memory Grove Park. It will be a great evening to kick off a statewide gathering of preservation professionals. In August, we’ll have Rhythms in the Park, our outdoor music celebration in Memory Grove, which is one of my favorite nights of the year. On October 17, we’ll visit Poplar Grove for our third west-side Historic Homes Tour, and there will be a free neighborhood history lecture on October 10 to kick off the month. Please mark your calendars.

This is Preservation Utah’s 60th year, and I can feel the momentum growing every month. Thank you for being part of it.

With gratitude,

Brandy Strand

Executive Director, Preservation Utah