Historic Preservation Month & Awareness Month

May is Preservation Month, a time for communities to celebrate the historic places that are meaningful to them. The National Trust for Historic Preservation established Preservation Week in 1973 and extended the festivities to the full month of May in 2005 to allow for more time to raise awareness about the importance of preservation.

The Redmond Historic Landmarks Commission is committed to preserving and promoting Redmond’s rich architectural heritage. By offering educational events, the Commission seeks to ensure that historic buildings are cared for properly and that Redmond’s history continues to be celebrated.

Historic Landmarks Commission Celebrates

Historic Preservation Month with:

Historic Walking Tours

All tours will meet on the front lawn of City Hall. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins to ensure a timely departure. Tours will take place rain or shine, so be sure to dress accordingly.

Downtown Historic Walking Tour

•           Dates & Times: May 16th, 2026 at 9:30 AM and May 21st, 2026 at 5:30 PM

•           Narrator: Chadwick Irvin, Notable Redmondite

•           Location: Front lawn of City Hall

Step back in time with historical Chadwick Irvin as he leads a fascinating Downtown Historic Walking Tour. Chadwick will guide participants through Redmond’s downtown area, sharing intriguing tales from the city’s past—some light-hearted, others filled with scandal. Learn about the key moments and architectural movements that helped form Redmond’s vibrant historic landscape.

Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour

•           Dates & Times: May 16th, 2026 at 2:00 PM and May 26th, 2026 at 5:30 PM

•           Narrator: L.E. Smith, Notable Redmondite

•           Location: Front lawn of City Hall

Join Mr. L.E. Smith, a long-ago Redmond resident, for a walking tour that delves into the stories behind the city’s historic homes. Mr. Smith will recount personal memories from his early years in Redmond, alongside the stories of the homes along the route. This tour is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of Redmond’s history and architectural trends from one of its trailblazing pioneers.

Redmond City Hall Open

•           Date & Time: May 16th, 2026 at 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

•           Location: Front lawn of City Hall

Discover the history of Redmond’s City Hall, a building with a fascinating past. View a video tour led by Deputy City Manager Jason Neff, this tour will explore the origins of the original schoolhouse that transformed into Redmond’s historic City Hall and the many roles it has played in the community over the years.

Live Recording of Oral Histories

Oral Histories Event

•           Date: May 16th, 2026

•           Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

•           Location: Redmond Public Library

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month this May, the Redmond Historic Landmarks Commission is excited to invite the public to participate in a special oral history project aimed at preserving the rich heritage of Redmond. The Commission encourages local residents to record their stories and memories, providing invaluable first-hand accounts of our city’s storied past. These recordings will be archived for future generations learn from the experiences that have shaped Redmond.

The Redmond Historic Landmarks Commission will be partnering with the TV Production class at Ridgeview High School. As part of a class project, students will record stories and edit the audio and video to help bring these histories to life.

Whether you have a memory of growing up near the Redmond Depot, a story about the historic downtown district, or a personal connection to one of Redmond’s many landmarks, your story is an important and valuable part of our history. The Commission invites you to share your memories and help document the living history of our community.

If you’d like to share your story, stop by the Redmond Public Library anytime between 2 PM and 4 PM on May 16th. No appointment is necessary.