Recapping Our Colleagues Retreat: Expanding the Narrative
Last week, about 30 preservationists gathered in the village of Rhinebeck for our first in-person Preservation Colleagues gathering in several years. We kicked things off with a walking tour that explored the development history of the village and how local officials are managing design review and incorporating preservation and sensitive infill into comprehensive planning efforts.
The main event featured a day of inspiring speakers, conversations, and self-reflection, facilitated by Susan West Montgomery. We heard from public historians about community engagement, storytelling, and navigating our own discomfort as we work to expand the narrative in preservation. We also heard from preservation professionals who are spearheading innovative projects. There were too many thought-provoking conversations and ideas to recap them all here but we've included a few highlights below. You can also review the slides shared by our presenters here.
Retreat attendees gathered for a walking tour of downtown Rhinebeck on June 16, 2024.
Highlights from Expanding the Narrative:
When it comes to seeking out and researching more inclusive and fuller histories, what are the roles and responsibilities of the preservation professional vs. the public historian? Should we work together more closely?
Stories are how we connect. We loved this quote from Scott Russell Sanders that Lacey Wilson shared: They educate our desires. Stories help us dwell in place. They help us to dwell in time. They help us to deal with suffering, loss, and death. They teach us how to be human. And stories acknowledge the wonder and mystery of creation.
Building trust and relationships with community members is key and takes time.
We talked about the importance of acknowledging the past harm that historic preservation has caused to marginalized groups.
k. kennedy Whiters explained the importance of language and using the active voice.
Cara Bertron shared how the City of Austin provided financial compensation to community members who served on stakeholder/advisory groups and to community organizations who conducted project outreach on the City's behalf.
If you joined us in Rhinebeck, please share your feedback by taking our brief survey. Missed the retreat but still want to read up on some of these topics? Check out our Retreat Recommended Reading List.