Dade Heritage Trust Inc.

Preserving the Past. Protecting Our Future.

Miami is a city defined by its energy, its beauty, and its constant evolution. But amid the cranes, condos, and construction, we are losing the character, culture, and community that make Miami home. Since 1972, Dade Heritage Trust (DHT) has been the steadfast guardian of that spirit, working to preserve not only our architecture and environment but also the stories, values, and people who built this place.

At DHT, preservation is not just about saving buildings; it’s about saving a sense of belonging. We believe that progress and preservation can coexist, and when they do, our city becomes stronger, more beautiful, and more equitable. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to protect Miami’s architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage through education, advocacy, and action.

Our home base, the 1905 office of Dr. James Jackson, Miami’s first physician, stands as a living testament to this mission. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and serving as an Official Heritage Tourism Visitors Center, it reminds us that history is not just something to study, it’s something to experience. But today, we need your help to ensure that DHT itself, and the values we champion, continue to thrive for generations to come.

Preserving Place. Protecting People.

In neighborhoods like Little Havana, we’re proving that preservation can be a tool for social good. Through our Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) initiative, DHT is restoring historic apartment buildings and ensuring they remain affordable for working families. In a city where housing costs continue to soar, this work demonstrates that preservation can be a tool for good. 

Inspiring Preservation Through Education

Our award-winning Historic Places, Green Spaces program brings Miami’s history to life for K–12 students, connecting them to the cultural and environmental treasures in our parks and neighborhoods. Whether in person or virtually, our educators introduce young people to the architecture, ecosystems, and stories that define their city. Our goal is to empower the next generation to become stewards of their own heritage.

Building Community Through Shared History

Beyond classrooms, our bike and walking tours, Baking in Historic Places, and gallery exhibits engage the community in hands-on discovery. We are also proud partners in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Connect to Protect program, maintaining native landscaping that nurtures biodiversity right in the heart of Brickell.

Why Your Support Matters Now

Development is a sign of vitality, but some places and some values are too precious to lose. DHT’s work is a bridge between progress and preservation, growth and grace. By supporting Dade Heritage Trust, you are investing in a Miami that honors its roots while nurturing its people.

Whether you’re a lifelong Miamian or a newcomer enchanted by its rhythm, this is your city, and its story deserves to endure. Join us in saving our home. Help us protect the past, enrich the present, and build a future where heritage and humanity thrive side by side.