Delray Beach Designated a Preserve America Community

2008 - Delray Beach was honored when Mrs. Laura Bush, Honorary Chair of the Preserve America initiative, designated the City as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Communities.  The City’s collaboration with the Delray Beach Historical Society on the Ethel Sterling Williams History Learning Center Project, also known as the “Hunt House”, qualified Delray Beach for this prestigious designation. The project, located at 111 North Swinton Avenue, consisted of relocation and renovation of the “Hunt House” to Delray Beach Historical Society property, a bunker addition (for archival protection) and associated site improvements.  Delray Beach also has the distinction of being the first designated Preserve America Community in Palm Beach County.   

Preserve America is an initiative to encourage and support community efforts to preserve and enjoy America’s priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation’s past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets and support for the economic vitality of our communities. 

“Preserve America Communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America’s heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment,” Mrs. Bush said. “This community designation program, combined with the Preserve America Grant Program, Preserve America Presidential Awards, and other federal support, provides strong incentives for continued preservation of our cultural and natural heritage resources. I commend you for your commitment to preserving an important part of our nation’s historic past for visitors, neighbors, and, most importantly, for children.”

For more information about the initiative and its programs, visit www.preserveamerica.gov.