Preservation Conversations
In 2020, how we operated and did our jobs changed drastically. In an effort to continue our educational mission and provide an opportunity for connections, we created Preservation Conversations. Each week, PM hosted a virtual meeting where participants could learn from PM's professional staff and guest contributors on a variety of preservation topics and (most importantly) ask questions directly.

Our preliminary "conversations" were a success, and we were glad to bring them back for 2023. Tune in each month for a guest presentation or discussion on a preservation agenda item. Remember to bring your questions and topics of discussion, or just grab a coffee and listen in. All conversations will be recorded and hosted on our YouTube channel and website.
We're excited to see where a new season of Preservation Conversations will take us!
All Preservation Conversations take place on Zoom and are recorded for future upload to our YouTube channel. Please mute your audio and also turn off your camera if you do not wish to be visible during the recording.
Upcoming Conversations
The Traditional Trades Advancement Program -- Wednesday, April 19 @ 12:00 PM
Special guest speakers Matt Chapman and Amy Glowacki from the Springfield Armory National Historic Site will discuss their recent successes with the Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program!
The Springfield Armory is now accepting applications for the HPTC Traditional Trades Advancement Internship Program until April 18. View the application here!
Click here to join the conversation!
The (Railroad) Ties That Bind: The Mass Central Rail Trail and Norwottuck Network” - Tuesday, May 9 @ 12:00 PM
Guest speaker Craig Della Penna, President, Norwottuck Network
Within 150 miles of Northampton, MA lies the densest network of former steam railroad corridors in the United States. The longest, most complex of these corridors in New England is the MASS CENTRAL RAIL TRAIL (MCRT), which runs 104 miles from North Station in Boston to Union Station in Northampton. Come take a journey with Craig who will show you just how complicated this 40+ year journey has been and how we are likely in the home stretch to get it built out. And just what it will mean to the communities along the way. He will also give a glimpse into the future as for plans to create the best callout to railroad history on a rail trail in the U.S. What this means and how it will happen.
Click here to join the conversation!
What would YOU like to talk about or learn in 2023?
Take our survey and help shape our schedule going forward.
The Latest Conversations
Episode 25: The Boston Innovation Trail
with special guest speakers Scott Kirsner and Maggie O'Toole
Episode 26: Revolution 250
with special guest speaker Jonathan Lane
Preservation Conversations Archive
Also available as a playlist on our YouTube Channel
2022 Conversations
Episode 24: Historic Tax Credits:
with special guest Daniel Kolodner from Klein Hornig LLP
Episode 23: Preservation Lobbying 101:
Learn about the State Historic Tax Credit Program and become an effective advocate for historic preservation
Episode 22: Storytelling in Preservation:
with special guests from The Preservation Trust of Vermont and Historic Boston, Inc.
Episode 21: Most Endangered 201: Defining Success
Episode 20: Most Endangered 101: The Nomination Application & Process
2021 Conversations
Episode 19: Meet Jenn Doherty - Local Government Programs Coordinator for the MHC
Episode 18: Maximizing the Value of Sacred Places with Partners for Sacred Places.
2020 Conversations
Episode 1: "Pop-Up" Office Hour
Episode 2: "FAQ's with PM and MHC
Episode 3: Growing Grassroots Constituencies & Effective Local Advocacy
Referenced Resource Link:
15 Questions for Local Advocates
Episode 4: Threatened Historic Resources: What To Do?
Referenced Resource Link:
15 Questions for a Threatened Resource
Episode 5: How To Talk About Historic Preservation
Referenced Resource Link:
24 Reasons Why Historic Preservation Is Good for Your Community
Episode 6: How to Move Challenging Projects Ahead
Episode 7: What It Takes - Local Advocacy Success Stories
Episode 8: Who Are They & Why Do I Need Them? Preservation Consultants
Episode 9: Who Are They & Why Do I Need Them? Preservation Architects
Episode 10: Show Me The Money: Preservation Grant Programs with the MA Historical Commission
Episode 11: The Floor Is Yours - Open Forum Discussion and Q&A with PM and MHC Staff
Episode 12: Show Me The Money: Historic Preservation and the Community Preservation Act
Referenced Resource Link:
HP Project CPA Flowchart & Sec. of Interior Standards
Referenced Resource Link:
New England Stone Wall Follow Up Questions
Further Resources at The Stone Wall Initiative
Episode 15: What is a Circuit Rider & When Do I Need Them?
Referenced Resource Link: Before Contacting a Circuit Rider...
Referenced Resource Link:
Arlington Preservation Fund Documents - By-Laws, Guidelines & Articles of Organization