Islanders can get to know Guam’s cultural heritage as the Guam Preservation Trust and the Guam State Historic Preservation Office celebrate National Preservation Month by highlighting various historic sites, the agencies said in a press release.
Across the nation, communities are reflecting on the rich cultural heritage found in their communities. This year, they celebrate “People Saving Places.” Here on Guam, the event will culminate with a summit titled, “ONRA: Oral Histories Recalled and Appreciated.”
“This year’s theme is fitting, as it is truly people working together who are instrumental in saving the places that matter. Guam Preservation Trust, for over 30 years, has been our preservation community’s advocate to safeguard the places significant to our heritage,” said Joe Quinata, Guam Preservation Trust chief program officer.
Calling preservation a community responsibility, he said, “It takes everyone working together to safeguard these sites for future generations who call Guam home.”
In the release, the agencies said various historic sites around the island will be highlighted to “engage the community and raise awareness about preservation.”
The agencies noted in the release that many of the sites to be highlighted are accessible to the public.
The celebration will wrap up with a summit from May 30 to 31, at the Hyatt Regency Guam and various sites around the island.
“The summit is hosted by GPT with many partners including the GSHPO. … At the summit, Pacific communities will come together to share their stories and the importance of oral histories,” the agencies said in the release.
“Our efforts to ensure historic preservation in Guam also recognizes the importance of listening to the diverse voices and stories that contribute to the story of Guam,” said Patrick Lujan, Guam state historic preservation officer. “We encourage our community to learn more about our work and join us. Celebrate the value of historic preservation.”
The summit is free to the public. However, tickets are limited.
To obtain tickets, register at www.pacificpreservation.org/2024.
