Along with 103 officials from 59 Arkansas counties, Judge Roy John McNatt and Texarkana, Ark., Mayor Horace Shipp have declared May as Historic Preservation Month.

This Place Matters is the theme of Historic Preservation Month 2008.

“We hope all of the people of Arkansas will take time to reflect on the importance of their local historic sites,” said Frances McSwain, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program director.

Both McNatt and Shipp note historic preservation is an effective tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and...