Preserve the Past, Build for the Future is a webinar series designed to introduce college students to historic preservation and related fields.
In 2023, the series will consist of five webinars.
January 25, 2023 – 3 p.m. ET – Mobilizing Community Preservation
The cultural heritage of a community is a vital aspect of its identity, and its loss may have negative effects, not just for the physical environment but also for its traditions and values. It is important for community members to lead and take an active part in the preservation of their cultural heritage. Join this webinar to hear about the experiences of leaders in this area, how to encourage volunteerism, and how to get started on preserving your own community’s heritage.
February 22, 2023 - 3 p.m. ET -- Saving Black History: Gullah-Geechee Islands
What can be done if continued development, climate, and environmental issues, and other factors threaten to erase a black community’s cultural heritage? Located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, the Gullah Geechee Islands are home to an African American community descended from formerly enslaved people. Unlike most other communities in the US, the Gullah maintain a majority of their African language and cultural heritage. However, the Gullah culture is facing extinction as a result of continued growth, environmental difficulties, and a variety of other negative circumstances. This webinar addresses the islands’ history, what is happening there now, and the work being done to preserve the culture.
March 22, 2023 – 3 p.m. ET -- Create a Future Through Careers in Historic Preservation
There is a great need for students who are trained in practical historic preservation to step into the many unfilled jobs in the cultural resources field. This webinar will focus on providing students and others interested in historic preservation and related fields with insight into the needs of the profession, as well as the skills they should have to move into these positions. Also, learn what steps you should take to become a part of the preservation community.
April 26, 2023 – 3 p.m. ET -- History Right on Your Campus: Preserving Historic HBCUs
The HBCU campus is a source of pride. It is a place for gathering, reflection, and much more. On campuses throughout the country, buildings, statues, and even trees date back to the founding of the school or other key points in history. This webinar talks about how HBCUs, communities, and advocacy groups are working together to preserve and restore these historic campus buildings and the significance of the buildings in the lives of students.
May 24, 2023 - 3 p.m. ET -- Hallowed Ground: Preserving Historic Black Churches
Churches in the Black community serve as places of refuge, support, and were/are the base for civil rights leaders. This webinar discusses the effort to preserve African American history through restoration of churches that were important in the Civil Rights movement and/or poignant to African American/American history. How are these buildings relevant today to the community?
View recordings of past years' webinars:
2022
Find a Career in Historic Preservation and Related Fields
Interpreting Enslaved People’s History Into Historic Sites
Preserving African American Burial Sites
Natural Disasters and Their Threat to Historic Preservation
2021
Preserving African American Historic Places
Supporting the Preservation of African American Historic Places
The Importance of Recognizing African American Historic Places