Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States, recently designated the Village of Greendale a Preserve America Community. The designation recognizes the Village of Greendale’s efforts regarding historic preservation initiatives. The Village received a letter and will receive a certificate of designation signed by Mrs. Obama announcing that the Village of Greendale is now a Preserve America Community. The Greendale Historical Society prepared the application for Greendale to be considered as a Preserve America Community.

Communities designated through the program have received the national recognition for their accomplishments in preserving special places and telling our nation's story. Communities are selected based on their protection and celebration of heritage, use of historic assets for economic development and encouragement to involve citizens in the preserved story. Over 840 communities throughout the nation have received the designation, with 20 in Wisconsin.

Benefits include the use of the Preserve America logo on educational and promotional materials; unique signage referencing the designation; and other support.

Preserve America is a federal program that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. Goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving our heritage assets and support for the economic vitality of our communities. Since the program's inception in 2003, the First Lady of the United States has been involved in supporting and promoting Preserve America.