The mission of the Hyattsville Preservation Association (HPA) is to preserve the history, architecture, heritage, and culture of the City of Hyattsville. HPA was incorporated in 1982 and was granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to facilitate educational and charitable projects pertaining to the discovery of the history, culture, and architecture of our city.
HPA is a creative and resourceful group of people intent upon engaging residents in the preservation and promotion of the historic homes and buildings in our city. We also work to protect and promote Hyattsville’s rich history, heritage, and culture. We do this by hosting community events throughout the year. Some are fun; some are serious; all are interesting. All serve to build community and enrich the experience of being a Hyattsville resident.
Background
In 1980, a small group of Hyattsville homeowners met to pool their experiences in restoring their old houses. From this came the Hyattsville Preservation Association, Inc., which was incorporated in 1982. It was granted tax-exempt status under IRS code section 501(c)(3) to facilitate “educational and charitable projects pertaining to the discovery and memorialization of the history and architecture of the City of Hyattsville, Maryland.”
HPA had a critical role in the funding and research necessary to put the City of Hyattsville’s historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004 HPA helped in the expansion of the historic district to include 20th-century housing that contributes to the city’s history. HPA was instrumental in the preservation of the Lustine automobile showroom (c. 1950) on Baltimore Avenue, a rare example of massive, curved glass windows in the art moderne style.
Background
HPA conducts meetings and seminars on various topics throughout the year— home design and repair, oral histories, gardening, tax credit seminars, and more. A tradition since 1980, the Annual Historic Hyattsville House Tour showcases homes in the Historic District, and beyond, every year in May.
Hyattsville (Images of America) authored by Andra Damron on behalf of the Hyattsville Preservation Association was published by Arcadia Publishing in 2008.
HPA sponsored the University of Maryland book, Hyattsville Historic District Style Guide: A Resource for Homeowners, which inventories the city’s architectural styles and makes recommendations for additions and maintenance.
