Benefits

Historic Preservation Holds Many Benefits for Local Communities - and Students

Historic preservation is an important investment in the present and future. For preservationists safeguarding the past through its physical remains is reason enough in itself to justify preservation efforts, but for those without prior involvement with such efforts there are many other more tangible reasons why historic preservation matters. Historic preservation involves much more than simply saving and restoring old buildings and sites of historic importance; there are economic, cultural, environmental, and educational benefits of historic preservation, all of which are inextricably connected to one another and to the living memory of involved communities.

Benefits for students:

• Connect academic subjects to the real word
• Increase motivation and the desire to learn
• Meet real community needs
• Grow as leaders, decision makers, and problem solvers
• Gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them
• Develop as active members of society

Benefits for historic preservation organizations:

• The opportunity to expand your mission and reach out (without substantially increasing costs) by engaging a cadre of competent, motivated young people.
• New energy, ideas, and enthusiasm as well as specialized skills that young people can bring to your organization.
• Increased public support and visibility as students become ambassadors for history and historic preservation in their schools, homes, and communities.
• New partnerships and resources.
• A new generation of volunteers and future preservation enthusiasts.