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Inspiration & Learning at PastForward 2019
November/December 2019
 Denver's Union Station. Photo by Marlena Krcelich |
 A scene from the PastForward 2019 conference. Photo by Amie Hayes |
In October, SOHO staff members Amie Hayes and Marlena Krcelich attended the PastForward 2019, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual conference. It was held in (snowy!) Denver and attracted 1,000 preservationists, architects, planners, developers, government officials, students, and others. The conference's three main themes were Revitalizing Small Communities, Saving Urban Neighborhoods, and Celebrating Women's History, in honor of the upcoming 100th anniversary of passage of the 19th amendment. Classes with titles ranging from "Preservation's Role in Social Equity" to "Changing Climate, Changing Plans" fleshed out the themes, all relevant to SOHO's work.
Speakers and attendees alike showed an ever-deepening interest in pushing historic preservation goals into new territory. Talk of the roles historic preservation and preservationists can play in social justice, climate change, cultural displacement, and advocacy strategy animated each class, and attested to the fact that many diverse people are looking to impact the world through the historic environment. Discussions about the tools and policies preservationists use now prompted discussion of necessary changes to preserve and interpret the history and culture of all people.
A conference highlight was a reception held at the beautifully restored Union Station in downtown Denver. The landmark, which functions as the city's main transit hub, has become known as "Denver's living room," offering sips, eats, and plenty of gathering spaces for conversation with views that could not be more inspiring. A few hours of mingling here fostered new connections, lots of questions, and some great new ideas.
Amie and Marlena expect to apply the wealth of knowledge they gained at PastForward 2019 to enrich SOHO's programming, advocacy, and goals.
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