Preservation in a Changing Climate Conference Announced

The City of Salem and the Salem Preservation Partners are excited to announce the fourth annual conference focusing on addressing climate impacts to the region’s historic resources. The one-day conference will be held in person on Wednesday, September 18^th at the Peabody Essex Museum Morse Auditorium.  

Building on past Preservation in a Changing Climate Conferences, this year’s event will focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies that address the impacts of climate on historic buildings, landscapes and neighborhoods. The conference will include a full day of in-person events including a keynote from Massachusetts State Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer, case studies, conversations and panel discussions, lunch provided by PEM and closing remarks by National Park Service Superintendent Jennifer Hardin at the National Park Service Armory Visitor Center. 

The North Shore of Boston, including Salem and surrounding communities is witnessing firsthand the damaging effects of climate change on historic properties and neighborhoods. Coastal and riverine flooding, wind damage, excessive rain, and rising humidity and heat all effect the future of our historic resources. To address these changes and protect the region’s historic resources, preservationists, environmentalists, engineers, city planners, legislators, insurers, historic building owners and other decision-makers will be tasked to identify and implement adaptation strategies to make historic buildings and neighborhoods more resilient and sustainable. This conference will explore these strategies including nontraditional solutions and experimental approaches.   

“I’m so grateful to Salem’s Preservation Partners for once again organizing our annual Preservation in a Changing Climate conference,” said Mayor Pangallo. “Salem is forward-looking and pro-active in managing the local impacts of climate change. As a historic community, we’re especially thoughtful in planning and preparing for how these challenges impact our city. In Salem we value our history not just because it’s our past, but also because it’s the foundation for where we’re going in our future. Dialogues like the Preservation in a Changing Climate conference help ensure that that can continue to be the case for future generations of Salem residents and community members.” 

Salem Preservation Partners is a group of historic preservation organizations that gather bi-monthly to discuss issues and activities pertinent to the community. As owners of historic buildings and leaders in the preservation field, Salem’s Preservation Partners formed a subcommittee to help historic properties and neighborhoods plan to adapt to rising sea levels and other climate change challenges. Hosted by the City of Salem’s Planning and Community Development Department, the Partners include the Peabody Essex Museum, the House of the Seven Gables, Salem Sound Coastwatch, Essex National Heritage, Historic New England, the National Park Service, Historic Salem Inc., Destination Salem, and many more.   

The fee for attending this year’s conference will be $50 per person, which will include the in-person education sessions, light refreshments, lunch, and a closing reception. For more information and to register for the conference, visit https://www.preservingsalem.com/preservation-in-a-changing-climate-1