Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation

08/12/2026

Do you love old houses? Ypsilanti history? Meeting people and sharing a good story?

We’re looking for volunteers to help guide guests during the Historic Home Tour!

Being a tour guide is about more than standing in a beautiful old house. It’s about welcoming visitors, sharing the stories of the people who lived there, pointing out those wonderful architectural details, and helping guests imagine what life was like in Ypsilanti generations ago.

You don’t have to be a history expert. If you’re curious, friendly, enthusiastic, and love telling a story, you can help bring these homes and their history to life.

✨ Welcome guests
✨ Share stories from the past
✨ Talk about architecture and historic details
✨ Answer questions and help visitors feel at home
✨ Be part of the effort to celebrate and preserve Ypsilanti’s historic neighborhoods

Who’s ready to put on their tour-guide hat and help make history come alive? DM us if you’re interested! 🏡❤️

07/28/2026

What Happens Next?
Now that the proposal is moving forward, these things typically follow a path like this:

Step 1 — OIRA Review
The proposal moves to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the White House Office of Management and Budget for regulatory review and potential interagency coordination.

Step 2 — Proposed Rule Published
If OIRA review is completed, the ACHP publishes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register.

Step 3 — Public Participation
This is when formal public comment begins. Tribal consultation, consultation with State Historic Preservation Offices, and comments from local governments, preservation organizations, applicants, and the public become part of the official record.

Step 4 — Final Rule Development
The ACHP reviews comments, revises the proposal as appropriate, and prepares a final rule for consideration by the Council.

Step 5 — Final Review and Publication
Following a second OIRA review, the final regulation may be published in the Federal Register, typically becoming effective 30 days later.

Last week, we examined the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's (ACHP) proposed rewrite of the Section 106 regulations and why it represents the most significant change to the process in decades. If you haven't already, we encourage you to read The End of Section 106 as We Know It?, which…

07/28/2026

Don't let historic preservation get gutted. Speak up!

Preservation Under Threat!

"Every American who has any place in their heart that is historic or culturally significant to them should be concerned about this attempt to gut historic preservation protections…What it means is that the federal government, in its own discretion, can decide whether — if ever — to tell an American community that it's about to do a major project that could harm or destroy a historic resource.”

Thank you NPR for featuring this critical issue: https://ow.ly/kHse50ZsYwI

Learn more: https://ow.ly/3FXf50ZsYwG

07/07/2026

Save the date! Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Join the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation for the 44th Annual Historic Home Tour in the beautiful Historic South Side neighborhood. Explore a collection of remarkable homes, discover the stories behind their architecture, and experience the charm, craftsmanship, and character that have made this neighborhood one of the city’s most beloved historic districts.

Whether you’re passionate about preservation, architecture, local history, or simply love seeing unique homes, this self-guided tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with Ypsilanti’s rich heritage while supporting historic preservation efforts throughout the community.
Bring your friends, neighbors, and fellow history enthusiasts for an inspiring day of exploration in the Historic South Side.

Details to purchase tickets will be shared soon.

06/22/2026

This decorative trim piece has adorned this 1903 Ypsilanti home for more than a century. After years of weather and wear, it recently underwent careful restoration by Nate Keagle and his team, ensuring that one of the home’s original architectural features will continue to grace the house for generations to come.

Historic trim and decorative details are more than ornaments, they are the thoughtful craftsmanship and character that make Ypsi’s historic neighborhoods unique. These pieces reflect the artistry of the builders who created them over a century ago.

When original features are repaired rather than replaced, we preserve something irreplaceable: authenticity. Every restored bracket, spindle, and trim board helps maintain the historic fabric of our community and keeps the stories of these homes alive.

A special thank you to Painting with Nate and the home owners for taking the time and care to restore this beautiful piece of architectural history. Preservation often happens one small detail at a time, and each restored feature is a reminder that the beauty of our historic homes is worth protecting.