Preservation Past, Present, and Future: Rhode Island Statewide Historic Preservation Conference

Preservation Past, Present, and Future
Rhode Island Statewide Historic Preservation Conference
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Providence

The 2008 Conference will showcase "Preservation Past, Present, and Future" in Providence on Saturday, April 12.  Keynote speaker Richard W. Longstreth, Professor of American Civilization and Director of the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation at George Washington University will present "Never Done: New Challenges for the Preservation Field." His talk will assess Rhode Island's leadership in historic preservation in a national context and forecast what new challenges we face, from understanding and protecting the built environment of the more recent past to using the concept of cultural landscape to assess complex environments.

The day-long conference will look back to the origins of historic preservation in Rhode Island, survey the current scene, and envision new directions. The program includes a lightning-round showcase of six preservation victories and six losses from around the state, a tour that takes in Providence's "Greatest Hits" and sorest spots from PPAC to the ruins of the Providence Fruit and Produce Warehouse, and a panel on New England's Modern architecture. College students are encouraged to join a session on "The Future of the Past: Student Roundtable," where local students will talk about their motivations for studying preservation and plans after graduation. The conference is a great opportunity to learn about new developments and to network with peers in the fields of historic preservation, planning, and neighborhood revitalization.  
 
Attention Brown students!  Volunteers can attend sessions and be fed for free (save $40).  Volunteers are required to arrive at the conference headquarters at 7:30am and be willing to volunteer for up to half the day-or to volunteer on Friday to set up.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sarah at szurier@preservation.ri.gov. Check out the program, or learn more about the conference, organized by the RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, at www.preservation.ri.gov/conference
 
Sarah Zurier
szurier@preservation.ri.gov
RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission
150 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903
401-222-4142 phone/401-222-2968 fax
www.preservation.ri.gov