Westfield’s Historic Preservation Commission and Historical Society
team up in the Westfield Preservation Instagram Challenge for May’s Preservation Month!
Celebrate National Preservation Month this May with the #WestfieldPreservationChallenge, a weekly Instagram contest where participants are invited to submit photographs in response to creative, history-based prompts. Sponsored by the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission and the Westfield Historical Society, the challenge is designed to get families and residents of all ages to appreciate the town’s architectural heritage in fun and original ways.
The contest will run from May 1 to May 24 with a new challenge introduced each week. Prizes will be offered for the best individual challenges. Grand prize for the best three challenges will include a tote bag filled with Westfield history-themed merchandise, a one-year membership in the Westfield Historical Society, and an opportunity to ring the Town Bell on Memorial Day, May 31.
To participate, entrants must use the hashtag #westfieldpreservationchallenge and tag westfieldhistoricalsociety when they post. Multiple entries for each challenge are allowed and encouraged! By joining the challenge, participants agree to permit their photographs to be used in publicity for the Westfield Historical Society and the Westfield Preservation Commission.
Challenge #1 is: Cast a “W” shadow on a local historic marker. Extra points for creativity and uniqueness of the marker! Visit https://sites.google.com/view/westfieldhistoricalmarkers/ for ideas. Additional challenges will be posted on May 10 and May 17 on the Westfield Historical Society and the Town of Westfield Instagram pages and the Westfield Historical Society Facebook page.
Challenge #2 : Westfield has several famous sons & daughters. Take a photo holding one of their works (such as book, postage stamp) in front of their former residence or a building associated with them (e.g., church, Field House). #westfieldpreservationchallenge Visit the Westfield Hall of Fame or Walking Tou rpages on this website website for ideas! Click on “Resources” above.
“The Westfield Historical Society is a tremendous resource for local history and we are delighted to partner with them in celebrating National Preservation Month,” said Maria Boyes, chair of the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission. “We hope residents will have fun with this challenge and cannot wait to see the creative interpretations of our architectural history!”
Established by municipal ordinance in 1985, the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission is charged with preserving historical sites and structures while fostering an appreciation for these landmarks as an essential element of the town’s unique character. The 9-member commission is appointed by the mayor to review potential sites for historic designation. Additional information, including contest rules, can be found at www.westfieldnj.gov/historicpreservation.
The Westfield Historical Society was established in 1968 by a group of citizens interested in local history and preservation. The society is based in the Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center at 314 Mountain Ave and also owns the Miller-Cory House Museum, a Colonial-era living history museum run by the Miller-Cory volunteers, as well as the Westfield Historical Society Archives. Visit www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org for additional information.
