What is National Historic Marker Day?
Launched as a grassroots celebration by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, National Historic Marker Day brings people together to maintain their markers by cleaning them and providing an opportunity to recognize and preserve history. This fun and family-friendly celebration is held the last Friday of every April. In 2024, National Historic Marker Day will be held on Friday, April 26.
As the nation’s leading funder of roadside markers, the Pomeroy Foundation recognizes the important impact this annual community service event has on communities. According to The Historical Marker Database, there’s more than 190,000 markers installed throughout the United States. People everywhere stop to read historic markers, from roadsides and parks to historic sites or even their own neighborhood. Markers help to educate the public, encourage pride of place, promote tourism and generate economic benefits.
Despite their importance, many historic markers have not received ongoing care to maintain their luster. Markers must be regularly cleaned to ensure they can be enjoyed now and for future generations. That’s where National Historic Marker Day comes in. Volunteers help to beautify their communities, while bringing greater attention to local history. Individuals as well as groups of all sizes are welcome to volunteer, including civic organizations, schools and youth groups, to name a few.
The First Celebration
The inaugural National Historic Marker Day was held Friday, April 30, 2021. More than three dozen volunteers across multiple states participated. Volunteers took photos of their cleaning efforts and post them on social media. As the celebration’s creator and official host, the Pomeroy Foundation curated a National Historic Marker Day photo gallery that was shared on social media. In addition, the celebration received news coverage and generated buzz about participating in future National Historic Marker Day events.
Nationally Recognized Event
National Historic Marker Day received an official designation from the National Day Calendar in 2022, reaffirming the recognition that past, current and future volunteers deserve, while enhancing the national exposure for this wonderful community service event. For more information about how to volunteer and plan your marker cleaning project, visit our official National Historic Marker Day webpage.