The 2014 Statewide Preservation Conference theme is: FILL IN THE BLANK: Defining Preservation, A New York Statewide Conference. Join us in Rochester as we seek to expand the traditional definitions of preservation and to reach new audiences by challenging some of the common misconceptions about the field. We want to know what preservation means to you and what it could mean to others who are working to better their communities. So, join us in April to help Fill in the Blank.
Leading up to the Conference we’re featuring a Session of the Week to highlight one of our many sessions that are helping to broaden the definition of the field of preservation.
In celebration of the launch of our Young Urban Preservationists (YUP) group this week we are featuring a session from some fellow YUPs- Dana Saylor-Furman, Old Time Roots, Meagan Baco, HistPres.com and Benjamin Woelk- Co-Producer/Director of Slow Road Travel and their presentation Sneaky Preservation: Making Advocates through Emotional Experiences with Place.
Photo courtesy of John Carocci
Too often, preservationists face an uphill battle against unsympathetic government, new build-centric developers, and large organizations that don’t understand how historic buildings can fit into their portfolio of projects. What this requires is an engaged public, ready willing and able to stand firm for what is right and economically beneficial. However, if we can’t get people off their couch and out into the real world (Facebook slacktivism doesn’t count!), how can we make change?
Christa Glennie Seychew for Buffalo Spree Magazine
This presentation will include success stories in engaging people in place through “sneaky preservation.” Much of the talk is inspired by lead presenter Dana Saylor’s experience as Event Planner for CITY of NIGHT at Buffalo’s grain elevators, where she realized the potential to change people’s mind about place by giving them an emotional or sentimental experience-based connection.
2014 City of Night event banner designed by Jon Furman
In Dana’s words:
Photo courtesy Dana Saylor-Furman
I have learned a great deal about preservation through trying to save a building (that was ultimately demolished) and then, thoroughly demoralized, by avoiding preservation (by throwing a giant art party at Buffalo’s historic grain elevators). It was this avoidance that brought me full circle- to realize that my event, CITY of NIGHT, as it enters its third year, has transformed people and place, which is exactly the point of preservation, and good urbanism. Today, the relevance of the preservation movement is at stake; we must better learn how it can engage communities in new ways. This can be done by observing the successful work of people in cities, towns and rural areas, no matter how it is branded, and applying their lessons to what we all do.
This session is perfect for anyone with enthusiasm and passion for their community and its historic resources. Be prepared to discover outside-the-box ideas and inspiration for sharing your love of preservation and raising awareness throughout your community!
