Historic Preservation Conference

Pillars of Preservation: Supporting a Stronger Kentucky

May 15-16, 2025 | Newport, Kentucky

The Kentucky Heritage Council is excited to partner with the Newport Foundation and the City of Newport to host the 2025 Historic Preservation Conference in Newport, KY. This year's theme, “Pillars of Preservation: Supporting a Stronger Kentucky," will serve as a platform to explore the essential foundations of historic preservation in our state – protection, identification, development, and advocacy.

The 2 day conference will provide a comprehensive exploration of these topics, offering valuable insight through keynote speakers, educational sessions, panel discussions, and off-site tours. Attendees will gain insight into successful preservation strategies, innovative practices, and emerging trends that are critical to preserving Kentucky’s rich heritage while fostering growth and sustainability. In addition to the educational content, the conference will offer ample networking opportunities for professionals and preservationists to collaborate.

Registration will be opening in January 2025.

The Kentucky Heritage Council is excited to partner with the City of Newport, with cooperation from Boone County and the City of Covington to host the 2025 Historic Preservation Conference. This year's theme, “Pillars of Preservation: Supporting a Stronger Kentucky," will serve as a platform to explore the essential foundations of historic preservation in our state – protection, identification, development, and advocacy.

The 2 day conference will provide a comprehensive exploration of these topics, offering valuable insight through keynote speakers, educational sessions, panel discussions, and off-site tours. Attendees will gain insight into successful preservation strategies, innovative practices, and emerging trends that are critical to preserving Kentucky’s rich heritage while fostering growth and sustainability. In addition to the educational content, the conference will offer ample networking opportunities for professionals and preservationists to collaborate.

view full conference program

Meet Our Speakers


About Joseph McGill Founder of the Slave Dwelling Project in Charleston, SC. By arranging for people to sleep in extant slave dwellings, the Slave Dwelling Project has brought much needed attention to these often-neglected structures that are vitally important to the American built environment. More about Mr. McGill		About Holly Wiedemann Holly Wiedemann, founding principal AU Associates, Inc., earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Duke University and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and Land Use Planning from the University of Georgia. She has been responsible for a wide range of projects throughout her career. She has specifically worked in the renovation, creation, adaptive reuse, and development of affordable housing since 1986. More about Ms. Wiedemann

Conference Schedule

927 Reserve

The Prestant Newport barracks Dinsmore homestead

Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend is a separate event from the Historic Preservation Conference, but we highly encourage you to attend while you're in the area!

Registration and Planning Your Visit

Map of Conference Sites

There's more to see after the conference! Stick around for the Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend, Saturday, May 17th!

Partners & Sponsors

​Meet Our Speakers

​About Joseph McGill

About Holly Wiedemann

Conference Schedule

Registration and Planning Yo​ur Visit

​Map of Conference Sites

Partners & Sponsors

Meet Our Speakers

About Joseph McGill

Registration and Planning Your Visit

Map of Conference Sites