Preserve the Past, Build For the Future Webinar Series

Preserve the Past, Build for the Future is a dynamic webinar series designed to introduce college students to the field of historic preservation and related disciplines. These webinars aim to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of preservation by immersing them in its various facets from hands-on techniques to understanding the broader legal and cultural implications. Each webinar is designed to provide insights into how preservation professionals work to protect and celebrate diverse histories, giving students the knowledge and inspiration to pursue careers in this important field.

Join us starting February 25, 2026 for our four-part 2026 Preserve the Past, Build for the Future webinar series. Click on the links below to register:

Wednesday, February 25 at 2 p.m. ET - Preserving America’s Historic Music Venues
Across generations, music is a unifying force in American history, bringing people together across cultural, linguistic, and social divides. From blues and jazz to rock-and-roll and country, these musical forms shaped America’s identity. Yet, the venues where these sounds were celebrated -- clubs, theaters, dance halls, and neighborhood stages -- are increasingly at risk from redevelopment, neglect, and changing cultural landscapes. Preserving these sites is about honoring the voices, creativity, and resilience of the communities that fostered such influential music. In this webinar, we will explore the history of these iconic venues, preservation efforts underway to protect them, and the role they continue to play in fostering cultural identity and community pride. Join us as we discuss why safeguarding historic music venues is essential to ensuring future generations can connect with the roots of America’s musical legacy.

Tuesday, March 24 at 2 p.m. ET - Preserving America’s Historic Main Streets
Historic main streets across the nation serve as living testaments to the communities that built them. They are centers of commerce, culture, and daily life that reflect America’s evolving story. In this webinar, we will explore preservation efforts impacting America’s historic districts and hear from those involved in protecting these areas for the enjoyment of future generations. Speakers will share their preservation challenges and successes, as well as how engagement in preservation has transformed their communities. Join us as we highlight the importance of active stewardship in keeping America’s main streets vibrant for future generations.

Tuesday, April 28 at 2 p.m. ET - Preserving America’s Revolutionary-Era Sites
As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, there is no better time to reflect on our nation’s fight for independence. Across the original 13 colonies, Revolutionary War sites stand as powerful reminders of that struggle and the people who shaped the nation’s founding. Preserving these sites is not just about safeguarding battlefields or historic buildings, it’s about ensuring that future generations can understand, honor, and learn from the sacrifices and ideals that gave birth to the United States. Join the ACHP as we explore ongoing efforts to protect Revolutionary-era sites, featuring insights from preservationists dedicated to keeping these places alive. The webinar will discuss the challenges and successes of preserving America’s founding landscapes and why their protection is more important than ever.

Wednesday, May 27 at 2 p.m. ET- Preserving America for the Next Generation: Involving Younger People in Preservation
Historic preservation is not just the work of academics and professionals, it belongs to everyone. Yet many young people remain unaware of preservation efforts, and even fewer realize it as a potential career path. Without engaging the next generation, the future of safeguarding America’s heritage remains uncertain. Preserving historic places is not only about protecting the past, but also about inspiring future stewards to carry that legacy forward. By making preservation accessible, relevant, and fun, we can foster a deeper appreciation for history while equipping youth with skills that connect heritage to their everyday lives. In this webinar, we will hear from panelists who are finding creative ways to involve youth in preservation. Join us as we explore strategies for engaging younger generations, the tools that make preservation meaningful across age groups, and how today’s efforts can ensure the survival of America’s heritage for generations to come.

View recordings of past years' webinars:

2025

History Underwater: Preserving Undersea Heritage

So, You Want to be a Preservationist?

2024

Disappearing Indigenous Heritage: Climate Change and Community Displacement

Traditional Trades Careers in Historic Preservation

History in Danger: Community-Led Responses to Preserving AAPI Heritage Sites

Living History: The Past, Present, and Future of Historic Black Towns and Settlements

So, You Want to Be a Preservationist?

2023

Mobilizing Community Preservation