In the context of rapid urban development, a changing climate, and clarified social and political tensions, the narratives embedded in ecologies of memory offer creative departures for the advocacy and design of cultural landscapes today. In this context, Sara Zewde will share lessons learned from her research on Frederick Law Olmsted's travels through the south 165 years ago and their implications for practice today. She will also share the recent work of Studio Zewde. Keynote Speaker: Sarah Zewde, founder, Studio Zewde and Assistant Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Design

Despite limitations, hundreds of women across the country entered the architecture profession before being given the right to vote in 1920. Although they designed thousands of buildings, many of these trailblazing women are still not well-known. This session will explore how to identify, research, and elevate the role of late 19th and early 20th century women architects. Explore how New England architects Frances Henley, Margaret Burnham Geddes, Lois Lilley Howe, Eleanor Manning O’Connor, and Eleanor Raymond influenced architecture through innovative designs in planning, affordable housing, education, and sustainability. Learn how these pioneering women navigated a male-dominated profession, undertook sensitive renovation projects, and executed Modernist designs. Examine additional layers of sexuality, social causes, and stories of support. Presenters: ​Rachel Robinson, Leigh Schoberth www.preservationmass.org/mhpc

Low-income housing tax credits are a critical tool for developing affordable housing, and when paired with HTC funds, historic buildings can be transformed into beautiful, equitable communities. However, as climate policies become stricter and more aggressive—a necessary approach for reducing emissions—complying with energy and carbon mandates is proving to be more and more challenging within historic adaptive reuse projects. WinnDevelopment and The Architectural Team will share examples of projects, strategies, and approaches in historic adaptive reuse projects that prioritize long-term sustainability and decarbonization, while satisfying historic preservation requirements. Learn from the developer/owner and architect about The Tyler, a 1936 school building transformed into an EnerPHit community, as well as an upcoming all-electric low-carbon redevelopment strategy for Lawrence’s iconic Stone Mill during this informative session. Panelists will share specific design details, lessons learned, and ongoing challenges and opportunities for decarbonizing existing historic structures. Presenters: ​Scott Maenpaa, Christina McPike www.preservationmass.org/mhpc

This session will provide an overview of the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF), a 50% matching grant program available to municipalities and non-profit organizations for pre-development studies and development projects on properties listed in the State Register of Historic Places. Examples of projects funded over the course of the program’s 37-year history will be included, and two case studies will be highlighted. At Fort Sewall, a 17th century coastal fortification, an MPPF pre-development grant was followed by two development grants, enabling the Town of Marblehead to implement the comprehensive study’s preservation recommendations. At the House of the Seven Gables, a development grant supported an innovative summer beam stabilization and in the process, uncovered historical fabric that has contributed to our understanding of this 17th century timber framed mansion, the setting for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel. Intended audience: historic property managers, municipal planners, historical society and historical commission members, preservation and design professionals. Presenters: ​Rebecca Curran Cutting, Tracey Fortier, Kara McLaughlin www.preservationmass.org/mhpc

National Register nominations demonstrate that historic resources are significant, and that they retain sufficient integrity to convey their significance. Lisa Deline, Architectural Historian at the National Park Service and reviewer of Massachusetts’ National Register nominations, will speak about the importance of context and comparative analysis in establishing significance. Historic context provides the framework for understanding an historic resource’s significance, whether at the local, state, or national level. Periods of significance will also be discussed. This session is aimed at advanced practitioners, including National Register consultants and CLG coordinators. In addition to Lisa’s presentation, there will also be time for discussion. Join in to discover what makes up the most successful nominations. Presenter: Lisa Deline www.preservationmass.org/mhpc

Learn the background story of Boston’s newest community gathering place for food, drink, and shopping. The Charles River Speedway, a collection of historic buildings that held various roles in its 120-year history, was listed on Preservation Massachusetts' Most Endangered Places in 2010, that has been the subject of a long community process and redevelopment plan spearheaded by preservation groups, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Architectural Heritage Foundation. This case study will explore the process that recently culminated in the opening of the facility to the public as a beer garden, open-air marketplace, and event space. Presenters: Kevin Allen, Kara Anderson www.preservationmass.org/mhpc