Denton Revealed: Preservation Month

Denton Revealed: Preservation Month

May 2023

Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, during the month of May, many events are planned to promote historic places for the purpose of instilling national and community pride, promoting heritage tourism, and showing the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. 

Denton Revealed showcases and celebrates the history of Denton and the surrounding county with a series of tours, lectures, and workshops. As American author Steve Berry once said, "A concerted effort to preserve our heritage is a vital link to our cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, and economic legacies - all of the things that quite literally make us who we are.” Preservation is not solely about preserving the brick and mortar but saving communities to ensure their future. So, come join us this May to celebrate Denton’s past, present, and future!

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Schedule of Events & Locations

Twilight Tunes (30th Anniversary)

Thursday, May 4, 2023 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Courthouse-on-the-Square Lawn
Join us for the 30th Anniversary of Twilight Tunes, an award-winning concert series in Downtown Denton! Hosted by the Denton Main Street Association, the concert series features several talented local musicians. Come early and bring your blanket or a chair and enjoy!

Revealing Lost Denton Lecture

Saturday, May 6, 2023 | 1:30 - 3 p.m. | Courthouse-on-the-Square (2nd Floor)
Denton is home to many great historical buildings, but over time, many of the city’s older structures have been lost to development and new construction. Come learn about the interesting buildings of our past, the importance of preserving the historic structures that still stand, and what you can do to help!

IOOF Cemetery Tour

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 | Meet at 6:15 p.m. | IOOF Cemetery Main Gate
Hello, history and cemetery lovers! Join us for a walking tour of famous, infamous, and unfrequented gravesites in IOOF Cemetery as part of National Preservation Month. We recommend that participants wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and be able to walk approximately 1/2 mile. Ages 13+.

Storytime with the Denton Public Library

Wednesday, May 10, 2023 | Beginning at 11 a.m. | Emily Fowler Library
Join the Emily Fowler Library for a special preschool Storytime with stories and a craft to celebrate National Preservation Month! Ages 1-5 with their caregivers.

Cemetery Conservation Workshop* 

Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Beginning at 10 a.m. | American Legion Hall
Cemeteries are important historic resources that serve as tangible links to the past. These sensitive places are vulnerable to impacts from time, weather, vandalism, and modern development. Join Christopher Goodmaster, Senior Archaeologist at Integrated Environmental Solutions, LLC, for a brief introduction to historic cemetery research, documentation, preservation, and restoration techniques. Attendees should wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat, as the second half of the session will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.
Registration Required: Register for the Cemetery Conservation Workshop here.

Introduction to The Portal to Texas History

Tuesday, May 16, 2023 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | North Branch Library
Do you enjoy research? Join Ana Krahmer, Director of UNT’s Digital Newspapers Unit, to learn about The Portal to Texas History platform. She will walk you through what resources The Portal has for your genealogy, local history, and personal research.

Denton Historic Bar Tour*

Sunday, May 21, 2023 | 2 p.m. | Downtown Denton Square
Join the Denton Main Street Association for a guided bar tour of Downtown Denton’s historic buildings! Led by a dedicated tour guide, you will have the opportunity to enjoy tasty cocktails and craft brews while learning a bit about Denton’s history and the early 1900s buildings you visit in and around downtown.
*$40 | Registration Required: Register for Denton Historic Bar Tour here.

Clear Creek Walking Tour - CANCELED 

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | 10 a.m. - Noon | Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center
Join Denton Parks and Recreation and Texas Master Naturalists for a walking tour of Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center (CCNHC), located at 3310 Collins Rd. in Denton. Located within Lake Lewisville’s upper floodplain and managed by the City of Denton since 1999, CCNHC is a hidden treasure in North Central Texas. The tour meets at the Education Center at 10 a.m. and will take a tour along the hiking trails around the wetland and riparian habitats. The interpretive walking tour will highlight the cultural heritage of CCNHC, including its history as a “poor farm.” Attendees should wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, insect repellant, sunscreen, and a hat.

Denton Trivia Night

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | Starting at 7 p.m. | Denton County Brewing Company
Ready to test your Denton knowledge? Come join the Denton Chamber of Commerce and Denton County Brewing Company at 7 p.m. for a fun evening of Denton-themed trivia and earn ALL the bragging rights! Prizes for the top 3 teams! P.S. If you attend Denton Revealed events throughout the month, you MAY be at an advantage.


Follow Preserve Denton on Instagram to learn more about Preservation Month and historic preservation in Denton, Texas.