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
Have fun exploring Albany hunting architectural treasure during the Hidden History Scavenger Hunt through May 30. Forms are available at The Natty Dresser, AVA and ADA. You can also print your own Scavenger Hunt form. Completed forms must be returned to The Natty Dresser by 5 pm Thursday, May 30. All correctly completed entries will be put into a drawing for a prize. A winner will be announced on May 31.
Preserving your Family Photos
For 1st Friday, the Albany Regional Museum will host Preserving Your Family Photos. Attendees are invited to bring 10 family photos to learn how to digitally preserve them during a clinic by Collections & Exhibits Manager, Amy Bozorth. May 3 from 4:30-7 pm.
Downtown Walking Tours
The 1st Avenue History Walking Tour is at 6 pm on Tues., May 7, and the 2nd Avenue History Walking Tour at 6 pm on Wed., May 8. Both tours will begin at Burkhart Square (next to the Albany Civic Theater), 101 1st Ave. W. Suggested $5 donation per person to benefit the Monteith House. Sponsored by The Natty Dresser.
Albany Tweed Ride
Don your finest tweed attire and take a bicycle tour of Albany’s National Historic Districts on Saturday, May 11. 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.
Vintage Bicycle Show & Swap Meet
The event is 1-5 pm, May 11. It takes place at, and is sponsored by, Deluxe Brewing, 635 Water Ave. NE.
View 75+ vintage bicycles in the taproom and explore the swap meet outdoors. Enter your vintage bicycle or have fun seeing someone else’s while you enjoy great beer and cool vendors! Admission for spectators is free and $5 per bicycle if you wish to enter any in the show.
For information and to register your bike, visit www.deluxebrewery.com or call (541) 928-7699.
1912 SE Young & Son Building Tour
Meet at The Natty Dresser’s Broadalbin Street entrance, 124 Broadalbin St. SW for a tour of the 1912 SE Young & Son Building, 3 pm May 14. See artifacts from previous tenants and get a glimpse behind the scenes at the Natty Dresser. You will learn about the building’s original owner and the architect who made it happen. After the tour, you can stick around and explore the Natty Dresser and get a sample from Beloved Cheesecakes (located inside the building).
