PastForward Online 2021: Lead the Change

November 2 - 5, 2021

Historic preservationists are change-makers dedicated to strengthening communities, yet we are all grappling with significant, overlapping challenges, from pandemic shutdowns and economic shock to racial injustice and a changing climate. Today, the preservation movement’s work has never been more important and more vital. However, meaningful changes are needed in many aspects of our practices and policies, from how it is determined which historic places are preserved and interpreted, to how we can evolve our practices to ensure the full American story is being told.

The complexity and scale of these challenges require all preservationists to become even more innovative, nimble, and collaborative, bringing together our diverse perspectives and values to create positive change. We must discover our own role in leading the change.

Scholarships available - The Diversity Scholarship Program honors diversity by providing scholarship opportunities to historically underrepresented groups in the historic preservation profession and in its leadership positions, including ethnicity, race, gender and gender identification, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Those who identify with one or more of these groups are eligible for the Diversity Scholarship.