The ‘Preservation in a Changing Climate’ conference is an upcoming event set to take place on Tuesday, September 12 to address the significant impact of climate change on historic buildings and landscapes. Hosted by Salem Preservation Partners, this conference will bring together experts from various fields to shed light on this pressing issue. Participants will include representatives from Salem Sound Coastwatch and Climate Culture Boston for Rare.
Attendees of the conference can expect to benefit from presentations by professionals from several disciplines. These professionals range from those in Planning and Design at Harvard Business School to the Collections Manager for the House of the Seven Gables. Each presenter will bring their unique perspective and expertise to the conference, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.
The conference will culminate in a reception at the National Park Service Salem Armory Visitor Center. Guests at the reception will include National Park Superintendent Jennifer Hardin and Massachusetts State Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. This closing event will provide a valuable networking opportunity for attendees and a chance to further discuss the topics covered during the conference.
The City of Salem and the Peabody Essex Museum are jointly hosting the conference. This collaboration is part of Salem’s Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Action Plan, demonstrating the city’s commitment to addressing climate change proactively. The conference will cover critical topics such as identifying, understanding, and planning for climate change impacts on historic buildings, landscapes, and archaeological sites.
Specifically, the ‘Preservation in a Changing Climate: Salem’ event will focus on the city of Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a coastal community and, as such, it is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This event is organized by Historic New England and will be led by Chris Skelly, Director of Local Government Programs at the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and Julie Arrison-Bishop, Community Engagement Director for Historic New England.
The ‘Preservation in a Changing Climate’ conference promises to be an invaluable event for anyone interested in climate change, historic preservation, or the intersection of the two. With a lineup of experts and a focus on practical, actionable strategies, this conference is a must-attend for those committed to preserving our historical heritage in the face of a changing climate.
