Lecture examines revival of historic Main Streets

Madison, Indiana, was among the three Main Street pilot communities nationwide

In a free lecture on Feb. 16 at Indiana Landmarks Center, national preservation expert Vincent L. Michael examines the history of the Main Street program, founded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1977, and its impact on communities. Dr. Michael will also explore the role of preservation in community planning, and discuss international heritage areas that focus on community and economy, an outgrowth of the Main Street program.

A senior advisor and trustee of the Palo Alto-based Global Heritage Fund, Dr. Michael serves on the boards of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He formerly chaired the historic preservation program at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

As one of the three pilot communities in 1977, Madison played an important role in the creation of the National Trust’s Main Street program. Today, more than 100 Hoosier communities participate in Main Street, focusing on design, organization, promotion, and economic vitality to revitalize downtowns. In Indiana, Main Street is managed by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.