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.

Register Now for the 2025 Webinar Series:

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET – So, You Want to be a Preservationist?
Are you passionate about preserving history, art, or architecture? Do you love archaeology, urban planning, museums, or cultural heritage? If so, you’re in the right place! Join our upcoming webinar to discover the fascinating world of historic preservation. Meet the professionals who have turned their love for history into rewarding careers, whether in archaeology, museum curation, law, building trades, anthropology, or many more. You’ll explore a wide range of career paths under the cultural resources and preservation umbrella all while receiving insider tips from experts on how to start your own journey. Ready to make your mark on the past while building your future? Register today!

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET - Preserving Historic Black Business Districts
The Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, famously known as America’s Black Wall Street, was a beacon of Black prosperity in the early 20th century. This historic freedom colony thrived as a self-sustaining community, home to Black-owned grocery stores, hotels, theaters, nightclubs, churches, and medical offices. But in 1921, this flourishing district was devastated by racial violence, with blocks of businesses and family legacies reduced to ashes, leaving behind the haunting question: What might have been if the generational wealth and businesses had survived? In this webinar, we’ll journey through the rich history of Greenwood and other thriving Black business districts across America. We’ll explore the powerful legacy of Black entrepreneurship and community building, while discussing how we can honor this history and ensure the preservation and future development of Black-owned buildings, businesses, and cultural institutions. Join us as we commemorate the past and reimagine the future of these iconic districts.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET - Missing the Blues: Black Music and Saving its Houses Across America
Black artists have shaped the soundtrack of our lives, pioneering music genres like jazz, blues, gospel, and hip-hop that continue to inspire and resonate today. The venues where these trailblazers performed—legendary theaters, vibrant music clubs, and iconic recording studios—are more than just buildings; they are living monuments to American music history. In this webinar, we’ll dive into the rich legacy of these spaces, exploring their cultural significance and the vital efforts to preserve them. Join us as we celebrate the places that amplified Black voices and discuss how we can protect these historic sites for future generations.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET - Disappearing Places: Protecting Latino/Hispanic History from Erasure
Many historic sites that tell the vibrant stories of Latino and Hispanic communities are at risk, facing threats from redevelopment, neglect, and shifting public interest. Iconic places like Olvera Street in Los Angeles, rich with cultural heritage, stand on the brink of erasure and gentrification. Preserving these sites is not just about saving buildings; it’s about honoring the legacy and contributions of Latino and Hispanic communities in shaping our nation. In this webinar, we’ll delve into the critical efforts to safeguard these historic places and discuss how communities and government officials can work together to ensure their survival for future generations. Join us as we explore the challenges and successes of Latino and Hispanic historic preservation and why it’s more important than ever to foster active stewardship and engagement.

Wednesday, May 21 at 2 p.m. ET – History Underwater: Preserving Undersea Heritage
Dive into the depths of history with our webinar on underwater heritage preservation! Beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, from shipwrecks to submerged settlements, that tell untold stories of America’s past. Discover the cutting-edge techniques used to protect these fragile underwater resources and why their preservation is crucial to uncovering a more complete and vibrant picture of our nation’s history. Join us as we explore the hidden world beneath the waves and efforts to safeguard these invaluable cultural relics for future generations.

View recordings of past years' webinars:

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

Saving Black History: Gullah-Geechee Islands

Create a Future Through Careers in Historic Preservation

History Right on Your Campus: Preserving Historic HBCUs