WHY THIS PLACE? Since its founding in 1980, Main Street America has helped more than 2,000 communities breathe life back into their downtowns and historic commercial districts. But it all started with three towns, including Madison, Indiana. This Jefferson County community was part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Main Street Project,” a 1977 pilot program that has since evolved into today’s Main Street America, an independent subsidiary of the National Trust.

More than four decades later, Madison’s downtown (shown above in 2007) continues to thrive. The city’s Main Street program was a 2024 winner of the annual Great American Main Street Award, which recognized its preservation-based economic revitalization efforts.

“In just the past year, we’ve seen 11 new businesses open in downtown Madison, along with several existing businesses relocating to our historic district and expanding their operations,” says Madison Main Street Program Executive Director Austin Sims. “We remain committed to preserving Madison’s unique character while fostering growth.”

During the National Trust’s 75th anniversary year, Flash Back will highlight a place of significance to the organization’s history.