PastForward National Preservation Conference
Join Us in Milwaukee!
Celebrate the power of place and join fellow preservationists and preservation lovers at the nation’s premier conference for those who work to save, sustain, and interpret historic places – PastForward 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 16-18, 2025!
Sign up to receive updates on the conference and we’ll let you know when more details are available.
Connect with a broad, diverse range of colleagues from across the country, engage with vibrant historic places, share successes and challenges, and generate ideas and solutions for the preservation movement and the various communities we serve.
PastForward conference programming will take place at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.
Learn more about sessions, speakers, and programming from PastForward 2024.
Saving Places for 75 Years
PastForward 2025 will wrap up a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the innovative practice of preservation in a truly unique American city.
Call for Ideas: Session Proposals
Due January 10, 2025
In 2025, we will explore cutting-edge innovation, ground-breaking creativity, and experimentation in the dynamic field of preservation. Share your suggestions on content, speakers, and Milwaukee area tours and help us examine technological changes and new ways to increase the connections to our past and to each other. Proposals are due January 10, 2025.
Call for Nominations: National Preservation Awards
Due January 10, 2025
The National Preservation Awards are bestowed upon distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. The 2025 awards will be presented during PastForward in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Nominations are due January 10, 2025.
Focus on Innovation
In 2025, PastForward will explore cutting-edge innovation, ground-breaking creativity, and experimentation in the dynamic field of preservation. Together we will also explore Milwaukee’s unique history and culture, where local citizens proudly continue their long history of innovation in manufacturing, culinary arts (Top Chef, anyone?), music, and more!
The conference will specifically address innovations in the following important areas:
- A climate-friendly, community-driven repurposing of older buildings that energizes disinvested neighborhoods and supports healthy communities.
- A reimagined commemorative landscape that honors the achievements, contributions, stories, and cultural heritage of all Americans.
- An invigorated public sphere where meaningful places serve as catalysts for civic engagement across all demographics.
Sponsor PastForward
Learn more about partner opportunities at PastForward and beyond by reaching out to Chehana Samarawickreme, Associate Director of Corporate Relations, at csamarawickreme@savingplaces.org.
Code of Conduct
The National Trust wants to ensure that PastForward is a fulfilling experience for all. Accordingly, all PastForward attendees are expected to follow the Code of Conduct, which applies at all PastForward in-person and virtual events, sessions, discussion groups, and related online forums. We expect cooperation from all attendees, staff, speakers, and other participants to help ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.
Join us in celebrating the power of places and their profound impact on our lives.
Celebrate With Us!