Legacy Preservation Enterprise

06/19/2026

Today, on Juneteenth, we reflect on an important chapter of our nation's history and honor the resilience, contributions, and legacy of enslaved African Americans.

As an organization dedicated to preserving historic places, we recognize that many of the homes, farms, and communities that shaped our region were built and sustained through the labor, skill, and sacrifice of people whose stories have too often gone untold.

Preservation is not only about protecting buildings. It is also about acknowledging the full history of those who lived, worked, and endured within them.

Today we honor the generations of enslaved men, women, and children whose contributions helped shape the communities we inherit today. May we continue to learn from the past and ensure these stories are remembered for future generations.

06/19/2026

We were honored to attend Cape Girardeau County Historical Society’s recent presentation reflecting on the past 100 years and sharing an inspiring vision for the next century.
Thank you to Director Carla Jordan and Archivist Alice Ireland for an engaging and insightful program. We appreciate the important work being done to preserve our community’s history and look forward to what’s ahead!

06/04/2026

Every community leaves footprints. This book helps tell the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped Cape County and the surrounding area. A great addition to any local history collection!

Beverly Hahs' book "Footprints of a Community" is now available in paperback at Amazon.com. Cost is $30. For those of you who do not use Amazon, the Cape Girardeau County History Center will host an open house on July 12 and will have both the hardback and paperback versions of her book available. Beverly will be there to autograph her books, also. She will have books at the History Center on July 3rd, too. Come get them while they last!

05/27/2026

Legacy Preservation Enterprise is proud to share a first look at our upcoming documentary project centered on the historic Abraham Byrd House and the stories woven into its legacy.

This preview features interviews with LPE President Steve Ford and Dr. Byrd, one of the remaining descendants of the Byrd family, alongside stunning footage of the home and grounds that continue to connect past and present.

The Abraham Byrd House is more than a structure. It is a living piece of local history, memory, and preservation. We are honored to help tell its story.

Stay tuned for the official trailer release and future screening information. We cannot wait to share the full documentary with our community!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, Legacy Preservation Enterprise honors and remembers those who gave their lives in service to our country.

As we work to preserve the homes, landscapes, and stories of our communities, we are reminded that preservation is also an act of remembrance. Every historic place carries the lives and sacrifices of those who came before us.

Today we pause in gratitude for those who never made it home and for the generations whose courage shaped the communities we continue to protect.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/24/2026

Peeling back layers at The Criddle House and finding history underneath.

From worn carpet to original wood floors, this room is slowly coming back to life one board, one wall, and one very dusty day at a time.

President and Vice President duties apparently include demolition.

05/22/2026

Please join us in welcoming our new intern, Bailee O'Neal, to Legacy Preservation Enterprise.

Bailee is a Southeast Missouri State University student who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public History. They have a passion for history and love hands-on preservation work, which we’d say is already pretty evident.

As our Project Manager Nels put it, “Meanwhile… interns and power tools. Bailee is a trooper.”

We are excited to have Bailee working alongside us as we continue preserving and restoring the historic places and stories that make our community special.