May is National Preservation Month, a time to celebrate our love for history with exciting events that are happening Downtown. Our partners at the Albany Visitor’s Association (AVA) have curated a list of some of their favorite events to help you get started. However, you can find many more on their calendar and in their National Preservation Month brochure.
Hidden History Scavenger Hunt May 1-31
To take part in the hunt, get a form with photos of Downtown architectural elements to identify and make a note of where you found them. Completed forms must be returned to The Natty Dresser by 5 pm. Friday, May 30. All correctly completed entries will be put into a drawing for a prize. A winner will be announced on May 31. Forms will be available starting May 1st on The Natty Dresser Facebook page, and printed forms are available at The Natty Dresser, AVA and ADA.
Preserving your Family Photos Friday, May 2 ~ 5-7 pm
Albany Regional Museum will be hosting a hands-on workshop where visitors can learn how to preserve their family treasures. Guests can learn how to properly store and share their photos or documents from Amy Bozorth, Collections and Exhibits Manager. If participants bring their own USB thumb drives and up to 10 loose photos, assistants will help scan and save them. Location is ARM, 136 Lyon Street SW.
Historic Window Restoration Saturday, May 10 ~ 9:00 am-4 pm
Join Chris Gustafson, owner of Vintage Window Restoration LLC, in a conversation about a niche business adventure, and perspective of the historic preservation trades industry. Learn how to restore historic windows and try out your skills with a hands-on window sash repair. Come prepared for a presentation and show and tell, followed by Q&A. PPE will be provided. Bring a lunch, coffee and pastries will be provided in the morning. Location is Vintage Window Restoration 635 Water Ave. NE. Admission is free, but there is limited space available, reserve at https://tinyurl.com/WindowRestoration2025. For more information call (541) 730-0236 or email vintagewindow.chris@gmail.com.
Albany Tweed Ride Saturday, May 10 ~ 9:30 am
Don your finest tweed attire and take a bicycle tour of Albany’s National Historic Districts. The ride starts at The Natty Dresser, 124 Broadalbin St. SW. Arrive by 9:30 am to enter the costume and best bike contests. The ride starts at 10 am. The tour, organized by The Natty Dresser, features stops to talk about historic buildings and sights, as well as a word or two about menswear. The ride ends at the Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap Meet
Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap Meet Saturday, May 10 ~ 1-5 pm.
At Deluxe Brewing Company’s 10th Annual Albany Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap attendees are invited to view a collection of over 75 vintage, classic, and unique bicycles that will be on display at the brewery from 1-5 pm. All vintage bicycles produced prior to 1989 are eligible for registration. There will be awards in five categories: Best Custom Build, Best Original Condition, Best Vintage Restored Condition, Best BMX (Freestyle or Race) and People’s Choice Award. It is $5 to enter a bike and $10 for a swap meet space. Admission to the event is free, and minors are welcome in the brewery, 635 NE Water Ave. For more info or to register a bicycle, email bikeshow@sinisterdeluxe.com.
Downtown History Walking Tours Tues.& Wed., May 13 & 14 ~ 5:30 pm
The 1st Avenue History Walking Tour is on Tuesday. The 2nd Avenue tour is on Wednesday. Both tours will start at Burkhart Square 101 1st Ave. W. (next to the Albany Civic Theater). Suggested $5 donation per person to benefit the Monteith House. Sponsored by The Natty Dresser.
Albany Streetcar Tour Saturday, May 17 ~ 10 and 11:30 am
Take a narrated tour around town, learn about the region while taking in the sights of Albany. The tours will begin at 10:00 am and 11:30 am. Tickets are $5 per person, and seating is limited. To make your reservation, contact the museum at (541) 967-7122.
