Welcome to a step into the future of preservation. In honor of National Preservation Month in May, as well as our 27th birthday on April 27, Preservation Ohio has announced that it will host two “live blog” events during the first two Fridays of the month.

“Live blogs” are a means of interacting with site visitors in real time. The site moderator is able to provide a continuous feed of information, while those visiting the site can ask questions and add comments, which appear instantly on the blog. The moderator can also post links, pictures, videos – or even news stories. Twitter feeds can also be added, giving Twitterers a chance to participate as well.

The live blog will appear simultaneously on the following sites:

•    The main Preservation Ohio website at: www.preservationohio.org
•    Here on our blog, MyHometownOhio, located at: myhometownohio.blogharbor.com (please note: no www).
•    The Ohio Preservation Network at: www.ohiopreservationnetwork.com

The two sessions, and the topic for each, will be as follows:

•    Friday, May 1 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – “Preservation in Ohio Live Blog” – A general look at the state of historic preservation in Ohio today.  Visitors will also get a sneak peek at properties listed on the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

•    Friday, May 8 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. -- “Revitalization in Ohio Live Blog” – A look at preservation-based downtown and neighborhood revitalization in Ohio communities.  From Main Street to your street, we’ll answer your questions and share information.

It is believed that this may be the first time that live blogging has been used by a preservation organization in this fashion. Preservation Ohio was also the first statewide preservation organization in the country with a self-written blog (begun in mid-2006), and currently has almost 900 fans, followers and friends on social networking sites.  This May we officially launch the Ohio Preservation Network, an online meeting place for friends of preservation in Ohio.

We look forward to having you join us for this exciting foray into interactive technology.