THE VILLAGERS & PRESERVATION

Formed in 1966, to save Coral Gables’ iconic Douglas Entrance from a fate as a parking lot, the group capitalized on their success to save other endangered Miami-area sites. In the early years, members did much of the work hands-on, physically helping with restoration projects such as Vizcaya.  Members also provided the expertise to identify locally significant historic properties and help many be recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Often seen as catalysts in the community, members have advocated on behalf of historic preservation. Significantly, after working to launch the Dade Heritage Trust, The Villagers funded the Trust’s first project to survey local historic resources, identifying 875+ sites, many that would have otherwise been lost.

As the area’s oldest historic preservation organization, the all-volunteer group includes more than 200 women and men in a variety of membership categories. The Villagers have no paid staff or facilities and monthly meetings feature interesting guest speakers and rotate among historic locations the group has supported. Funds for grants are generated from a variety of annual events and projects including a popular Holiday House Tour, Garden Tour, and Historic Hunt as well as proceeds from publications. The Villagers have received more than 45 awards and honors for their work preserving the areas’ unique, colorful past.