Inclusion

Preservation & Inclusion

Today’s preservation movement recognizes the need for more complete, inclusive representation of communities across the nation, which are increasingly socio-economically, racially, ethnically, culturally, and generationally diverse. Preservation efforts must prioritize inclusion in order to tell an accurate and comprehensive story—and to remain relevant. This work of examining and changing  preservation practice, from storytelling to community engagement, will lead to a more inclusive preservation program.

Tell the Full Story

The National Trust and its partners are raising $25 million to create and invest in the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. Our mission: to draw attention to the remarkable stories that evoke centuries of African American activism and achievement, and to tell our nation’s full history.

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Interpretation & Storytelling

An important part of building a more inclusive preservation movement is telling the full American story. Every place holds layers of meaning that connect together to tell the whole history of that space. In this section are resources for understanding and interpreting historic sites across the country. 

Preservation Practice 

In addition to telling the full narrative of a historic site, preservationists need to reconsider standard practices in the field. From community engagement to making sure the organization is inclusive in both staff and mission, these resources provide strategies to build a more equitable preservation program. 

Current Tools and Resources

New Report

Under the auspices of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and funded by the Ford Foundation and The JPB Foundation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation presents Preserving African American Places: Growing Preservation's Potential as a Path for Equity. This report seeks to elevate emerging ideas, research, observations, and questions on the critically important issues of equitable development, social justice, and the practice of preservation .

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Interpretation & Storytelling

Forum Journal & Publications

Stories and Publications

Webinars and Videos

Preservation Practice

Forum Journal & Publications

Stories and Publications

Webinars and Videos

External Resources

Working with Communities New to Preservation

Being more inclusive often means introducing new communities to the world of historic preservation. These tools provide background information to aptly navigate the intricacies of the preservation field.

Diversity Scholarship Program

The Diversity Scholarship Program supports the attendance of leaders from underrepresented communities new to preservation and of emerging preservation professionals at the National Trust's annual conference, PastForward.

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