SYRACUSE, N.Y.—Volunteers of all ages across the United States are invited to sign up for National Historic Marker Weekend 2026, a free community service celebration taking place Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26. The event brings people together to learn about and showcase their local history while caring for the historical markers.
Established by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, Marker Weekend helps communities beautify public spaces and prevent marker deterioration so that hometown history can be enjoyed now and by future generations. This year’s theme, “Your Hometown,” encourages volunteers to clean and highlight the markers that recognize their community’s unique heritage, encouraging pride of place and local tourism.
Volunteer registration is now open on the Pomeroy Foundation’s website: https://www.wgpfoundation.org/national-historic-marker-day/.
Participants can also download a free volunteer kit with everything needed to plan a local marker-cleaning project. The kit includes a planning document, marker cleaning guide, lesson plans, tips for publicizing your service project, and more.
Nationwide, more than 227,000 historical markers (The Historical Marker Database) share pieces of the past, and even one cleaned marker can make a big difference right where you live. Whether you’re all about team spirit or simply enjoy giving back locally, there’s a place for everyone to get involved and help markers shine.
Spending a fun afternoon caring for a marker helps your hometown’s history stand out again, welcoming neighbors and visitors alike to stop, read, and connect with the past. Bring your kids, grandkids, neighbors, and friends. All are welcome to participate.
Registered volunteers are recognized each year on the Pomeroy Foundation’s online acknowledgments page. Participants may also choose to join a social media photo challenge by sharing before-and-after photos from their projects, with select submissions featured on the Foundation’s website and social media.
First observed in 2021 as National Historic Marker Day and designated to the National Day Calendar in 2022, the event expanded in 2025 to a weekend-long celebration, allowing even more people and communities nationwide to participate.
Volunteers should comply with safety and parking regulations and seek permission when planning to clean a marker.
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About the Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is a private, philanthropic organization located in Syracuse, New York. As the nation’s leading funder of historical roadside markers, the Foundation has awarded more than 3,000 grants for markers and bronze plaques in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Through programs such as Hometown Heritage, the Foundation helps communities celebrate their local history with fully funded historical markers. Learn more: wgpfoundation.org.
Media Inquires
Steve BodnarMarketing and Communications
William G. Pomeroy Foundation
315-913-4060 | steve@wgpfoundation.org