As the state prepares to update its plan for preserving Vermont’s unique historic character, officials are hoping to hear from Vermonters about their vision for the historic resources in their communities.

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is in the process of revising Vermont’s State Historic Preservation Plan and is holding public meetings in Burlington tonight, and in Rutland on May 25.

“We’re asking the public to provide us with their thoughts on historic preservation,” said Giovanna Peebles, State Historic Preservation Officer and director of the division. “What historic resources are important to them? How is historic preservation relevant to them and how does it contribute to the economy? What should we do, and what can they do?”

Peebles said the state hoped to hear from various stakeholders such as homeowners- developers- municipalities- state and federal agencies- non-profits, educators, and other interested partners.

The state’s historic preservation plan was last updated in 1997, and the plans are done in accordance with guidelines from the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Tonight’s meeting is in The Firehouse Gallery’s Meeting Room LBG at 149 Church Street in Burlington from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is sponsored by the City of Burlington and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 25 at the offices of the Green Mountain National Forest at 231 North Main Street in Rutland, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 and is sponsored by the Green Mountain National Forest & Downtown Rutland Partnership.

Further information is available online at www.historicvermont.org or by calling (802) 828-3211.