The Diversity in Preservation Scholarship Program provides support for attendance to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2026 National Summit, held in Washington, DC, September 22-24, 2026 (dates subject to change).

As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Founding Era, the National Trust is bringing together more than 500 preservation and community leaders—both in person and online—for a powerful one‑day National Summit in Washington DC. This gathering will spotlight how our founding ideals of liberty, equality, self‑government, and opportunity continue to shape and inspire preservation work today. The National Summit will feature elected officials, scholars, public intellectuals, and industry experts from across the country exploring how historic places can revitalize communities, meet urgent local needs, and tell a fuller, more inclusive American story. During this polarized time, historic places offer the rare ability to ground us in shared history, inspire civic imagination, and help shape a more just and humane future.

The Diversity in Preservation Scholarship Program convenes established and emerging leaders in the historic preservation community and allied fields. To date, the program has provided over 2,800 scholarships to conferences and in-person convenings to participants with an interest in working with places that honor the diverse achievements, stories and heritage of all Americans. Passionate volunteers, students, and professionals are all encouraged to apply.

Please visit the National Summit webpage to learn more about the event, opportunities to connect, and important news.

For technical assistance with the application form, please visit https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/ For any other questions contact us at conference@savingplaces.org.