ROCKLAND — The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission and the Rockland Public Library will cosponsor a public program about The Workings and Benefits of Historic Preservation, “to show how we can prevent the loss of historic buildings like the beautiful Rockland Post Office and Customs House which was torn down in 1972 to create a parking lot,” said Ann Morris, in a news release.

The program will be held Monday, July 22, at 6:30 p.m., in the Community Room of the Rockland Public Library. Michael Goebel-Bain, Historic Preservation Coordinator, for the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, will explain what the State Commission does and the benefits of historic preservation.

Morris, Chairman of the Rockland Historic Preservation Commission, will give a power point presentation about the many architectural styles found in Rockland.

The program will explain the difference between properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and properties designated as being within a Local Historic District. National Register properties have been determined to have national significance and are protected from federally licensed or funded projects, such as cell towers or highway widening. Rockland has two National Register districts: the Main Street Historic District and the Rockland Residential Historic District which includes the area from Union Street to Broadway and from Talbot Avenue to Masonic Street.

Rockland has not designated any Local Historic Districts yet, but when Rockland does, owners of property within the district who intend to change the exterior of their building must apply for and attend a meeting of the Rockland Historic Preservation Commission to hear recommendations from the Commission as to how to retain or replace architectural details important to the style of their building. Property owners DO NOT have to follow the recommendations, but must sign the form indicating they have heard the recommendations. The goal is to educate property owners to appreciate and preserve what makes Rockland unique.

The Rockland Historic Preservation Commission plans to begin creating Local Historic Districts this fall. They will research the buildings in the potential district, notify all the property owners, hold a public hearing, and then recommend that the Rockland City Council designate the area as a Local Historic District.

The July 22 meeting is an opportunity to ask questions and learn more.