Shifting our outreach online.

Here at Preservation Connecticut, 2020 was the year we delved into virtual events like never before. We hosted 18 “Talking About Preservation” virtual conversations over the year, reaching hundreds of people, friends both old and new. Topics included grassroots advocacy, the sustainable home, archaeology, modern architecture, farmland, and tribal preservation. A selection of “Talking About Preservation” sessions are available on our YouTube channel. Subscribe today to stay up to date on all our digital media! Due to their popularity, we are already planning our 2021 series and intend to keep these conversations going well into the future. 

This year we also hosted Local Historic District workshops in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office. Initially done in person, we switched to virtual workshops that were open to all those interested throughout the state. These workshops included a refresher on rules of procedure, design guidelines, the use of preservation tools and the benefits of Certified Local Government status. The virtual workshops also discussed the impact of Covid-19 on historic districts and commissions.

For the first time, our annual Connecticut Preservation Awards ceremony went virtual. We had over 100 people join us to view a presentation on the great work done throughout our state and to applaud the 14 award recipients of 2020. To see the winners, click here.

Finally, Connecticut Architecture: Stories of 100 Places written by our Deputy Director, Chris Wigren, gained a virtual presence this year too. After three in person talks in the beginning of the year, Chris gave four more via Zoom focusing on Connecticut landscapes, the safer alternative to visiting buildings during the pandemic.