Some ultra-rigid inflexible local historical societies obsessed with preserving everything exactly the way it was are named Hysterical societies. Their obsession with freezing the past, often starting at a questionably selective date, with complete disregard for evolution, does not work as well as the alternative. Yes, there are some Historical Societies that do a wonderful job preserving, honoring and educating us about the past.  They also work together with the people who live in these areas to evolve and grow these places so that they function and thrive as times and trends evolve. History delivers outstanding lessons as well as architectural and design cues. Many design elements of the past were essentially extremely practical. History gives an area flavor, provenance, heritage and traditions worth repeating, etc

Visit the Town of Bedford, New York, founded in 1680. Originally part of Connecticut, in 1700 a royal decree from King William III resolved a boundary dispute, officially making Bedford part of New York State. The small museum in town housed in the old courthouse is a rare gem displaying the evolution of this farming community over the past centuries. Bedford has been outstanding at preserving its past and heritage. Equally important, it is evolving, elegantly. A few doors down the charming main street, the old firehouse has become a cultural phenomenon.A combination of coffee-shop, pizza parlor, homegoods, fashion, cultural events, etc all in a picture-perfect setting that has drawn thousands of visitors and patrons alike. It also sells CBD products, which may be a draw and reflective of shifting tastes and demands.

My point is:  Bedford is evolving, not stuck. You can celebrate and preserve the past and evolve and grow. Both are possible. And one without the other usually leads to decline. May the hysteria ebb and history's positive influence flow!