How to Be Historic Preservation Advocate - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 8, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The importance of historic preservation has been increasingly recognized in recent years, leading to a greater emphasis on its advocacy. This has resulted in a range of positive outcomes, including increased tourism, economic growth, and a better understanding of cultural heritage. For instance, the preservation of historic sites has helped to boost local tourism, bringing in new visitors and generating much-needed revenue for local businesses.

Furthermore, it has resulted in an increased appreciation for the history and culture of the area, allowing for more meaningful connections between people and their environment. Finally, it has enabled greater access to important artifacts, documents, and information that can help to inform current decisions on land use, urban planning, and resource management. These benefits are an essential part of preserving our shared heritage and should be taken into account when considering the future of any given place.

Steps How to Become

Educate Yourself. Learn about the history and culture of the area you want to preserve. Research the history of the buildings or sites youre trying to protect. Learn about the history of preservation in your region and understand the legal basis for preservation.
Connect with Local Preservation Groups. Find out which local organizations are advocating for historic preservation in your community. Join their mailing lists, attend their meetings and join their efforts.
Join a Preservation Society. Join a national or regional preservation society, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation or your local chapter of the Society for the Preservation of Historic Buildings.
Advocate for Preservation. Speak up for historic preservation at public meetings, write letters to your local representatives, and support preservation initiatives in your community.
Participate in Preservation Projects. Get involved in local historic-preservation projects, such as helping to restore a building or advocating for a historic site to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Connect with Other Advocates. Reach out to other preservation advocates in your area and collaborate on initiatives and projects. Use social media to spread the word about your efforts and connect with like-minded individuals.

The increased awareness of historic preservation has led to the development of a number of effective strategies for protecting and preserving the past. By educating the public about the importance of historic sites, providing financial incentives to promote their preservation, and enacting legislation to protect these structures, advocates of historic preservation have been able to ensure that these sites remain as lasting reminders of our shared history. At the same time, the development of more efficient methods of restoration and conservation has allowed us to better preserve these sites while minimizing costs and preserving the integrity of the original structures. By utilizing these approaches, historic preservation advocates have been able to protect our history and create a more vibrant future for generations to come.

You may want to check Historic Preservation Commissioner, History Professor, and Museum Registrar for alternative.

Job Description

Historic Preservation Project Manager: Responsible for overseeing historic preservation projects, including researching and documenting historic sites, coordinating with stakeholders, and managing budgets and timelines.
Historic Preservation Consultant: Advises clients on the preservation of historical sites and buildings. Works with architects, engineers, landowners, and other professionals to develop plans for the preservation and restoration of historic properties.
Historic Preservation Educator: Develops and facilitates educational programs that explore and promote the importance of historic preservation.
Preservation Architect: Drafts plans for the restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Reviews building plans for compliance with local and national preservation regulations.
Preservation Planner: Develops local, regional, and statewide plans for the preservation of historic properties. Conducts research and reviews development proposals to ensure compliance with preservation laws.
Preservation Historian: Researches the history of a particular area or region to document its significance. Writes reports and articles, and advises on the preservation of important sites.
Preservation Lobbyist: Advocates for the protection of significant historic sites at local, state, and federal levels. Prepares and presents testimony before legislative bodies on behalf of preservation interests.
Preservation Technician: Assists with the maintenance, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic properties. Conducts research on the properties history and performs hands-on work to repair or stabilize structures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of historic preservation laws, regulations, and standards
Knowledge of architectural history and building materials
Ability to advocate for the protection of historic structures and sites
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong research and analytical abilities
Ability to network and collaborate with diverse groups
Ability to develop strategies for historic preservation
Knowledge of relevant computer software and technology
Ability to develop and present educational programs
Knowledge of grant writing and fundraising principles

Historic preservation advocate is an important job that requires many specific skills to be successful. One of the most essential skills for a historic preservation advocate is the ability to communicate effectively. This means being able to explain the importance of preserving historic sites and buildings in a way that is easy to understand and resonates with the public.

it is important for a historic preservation advocate to have knowledge about the history and cultural significance of a particular site and how to protect it from damage or neglect. Finally, the ability to collaborate and work with multiple stakeholders, including local governments and businesses, is an important skill for a historic preservation advocate. Having these skills is vital in order to ensure that historic sites are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Historic Preservation Planner, Historical Archivist, and Historical Preservation Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How did you become interested in historic preservation advocacy?
How do you think historic preservation advocacy has evolved over the past decade?
What do you believe is the most important issue facing historic preservation advocates today?
How have you successfully navigated difficult conversations with stakeholders regarding historic preservation decisions?
How do you use data and research to inform your historic preservation decisions?
What strategies have you employed to increase public support for historic preservation initiatives?
How have you addressed financial challenges in historic preservation projects?
What successes have you achieved in your work as a historic preservation advocate?
How do you ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process for historic preservation initiatives?
What advice would you give to someone just beginning their career as a historic preservation advocate?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS (Geographic Information Systems). A computer mapping and analytical tool used to analyze, store, and visualize data related to physical locations (eg: used to map historic sites and assess their significance).
Photo Archiving Software. Software used to store, manage, and organize digital images, videos, and other multimedia files (eg: used to document historic buildings).
3D Modeling Software. Software used to create 3D objects, textured models, and animations (eg: used to recreate historically significant artifacts).
Project Management Software. Software used to manage and track tasks, resources, and timelines (eg: used to coordinate preservation efforts).
Historical Research Software. Software used to access digital archives and databases (eg: used to research the history of a building).
Preservation Planning Software. Software used to assess the condition of a building or site and create conservation plans (eg: used to develop strategies for preserving a historic structure).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Trust for Historic Preservation
Preservation Action
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Association for Preservation Technology International
Society of Architectural Historians
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO)
National Park Service Office of Historic Preservation
National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
National Register of Historic Places

We also have Historic Real Estate Appraiser, Historical Archaeologist, and Cultural Resources Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cultural Heritage. The physical remains of a groups or societys history, including buildings, sites, artifacts, and monuments.
Architectural Preservation. The act of preserving and protecting the physical characteristics of a building or structure.
Historic Preservation. The protection and preservation of buildings, sites, and objects that have historical significance or value.
Preservation Planning. The process of creating a plan that addresses how historic resources should be managed and protected.
National Register of Historic Places. A list maintained by the U. S. National Park Service that identifies properties that are considered worthy of preservation due to their historical, architectural, and cultural significance.
Adaptive Reuse. The process of re-purposing an existing building or structure for a new use while preserving its historic character and integrity.
Conservation. The protection, preservation, and management of historic resources to ensure they remain intact and unaltered.
Cultural Landscape. Natural and cultural features that are associated with a particular place or people, such as buildings, parks, gardens, archaeological sites, monuments, or other features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Historic Preservation Advocacy?

Historic preservation advocacy is a movement to protect, preserve, and promote the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of a community.

What are the benefits of Historic Preservation Advocacy?

Benefits of historic preservation advocacy include increased economic development, improved quality of life, increased tourism, and protection of the community's unique identity.

Who is involved in Historic Preservation Advocacy?

Historic preservation advocacy involves a wide range of organizations, including local governments, preservation groups, non-profit organizations, museums, and individuals.

What are some strategies used in Historic Preservation Advocacy?

Strategies used in historic preservation advocacy include public outreach, education, advocacy and lobbying, and legal action.

How can I get involved in Historic Preservation Advocacy?

There are many ways to get involved with historic preservation advocacy. You can join local preservation groups or volunteer with a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the community's history. You can also contact your local government to advocate for historic preservation initiatives or research local historic sites and landmarks that need protection.