Pictured: Page Walker Hotel (circa 1975) then, and the Page-Walker Arts & History Center now.

Please join us in celebrating National Preservation Month this May!

Every year in May, local preservation groups, state historical societies, businesses, and civic organizations across the country celebrate Preservation Month through events that promote historic places and heritage tourism, and that demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. In 2005, the National Trust extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states.

Please visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website for more information on the national celebration and check out the events below to see how Cary is celebrating.

Preservation Month Events - May 2026

May 3, 12 - 4 PM| Free (no registration required)

Herbfest - Presented by the Friends of Page-Walker
Page-Walker Arts & History Center | 119 Ambassador Loop
Herbfest is a perennial favorite, held rain or shine on the beautiful grounds of the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. Visitors can learn how to start their own herb garden while touring the Anne B. Kratzer Educational Garden, including a close-up look at the historic 1850s Page smokehouse. Read more here!

May 21, 7 p.m. | Free (no registration required)

Changing Face of Downtown Cary - North of the Tracks
Presented by the Friends of Page-Walker
Page-Walker Arts & History Center | 119 Ambassador Loop
Join the Friends for our second presentation in the "Changing Face of Downtown Cary" series.   This year’s program focuses on sites and structures north of the railroad tracks along North Academy Street and the surrounding areas. Read more here!

Self-Guided Tours to Enjoy All Month Long 

Cary History Hunt - Downtown Cary
Get out your walking shoes and come along for a history scavenger hunt. Pick up a History Hunt card at any of the events listed on this page, download online, or visit Downtown Cary shops and restaurants. Complete your card before the end of May for your chance to win a prize!

Cary's Black History Bicycle Tour
This self-guided tour invites you to explore a collection of historic landmarks that celebrate the rich diversity of the people and places that have shaped our town. These sites honor the legacy of individuals and communities, including visionaries in education, pioneers in medicine, champions of faith, and advocates for justice and public service, whose stories continue to inspire and inform who we are today. 

Historic Downtown Cary – South Academy Street Virtual Tour
Explore the history of downtown Cary on a self-guided walking tour! Take a trip back in time to see how the downtown district has grown and changed. (16 Stops)

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. See how you can become part of the celebration here in North Carolina!

Cary takes great pride in its history and all our historic and cultural resources. If you are curious to know more about Cary’s historic preservation program, our local landmarks, and National Register properties and districts in Cary, please visit the Town’s website for more information!