Who’s Who in Connecticut Preservation
Learn more about the preservation organizations that work in Connecticut communities and statewide.
Preservation Connecticut
That’s us (until 2019, known as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation)! We are a statewide, private nonprofit group with a broad mission to preserve, protect, and promote the buildings, sites, and landscapes that contribute to the heritage and vitality of Connecticut communities.
The Connecticut SHPO (pronounced “Shippo”) is a state agency, within the Department of Community and Economic Development. SHPO administers a range of federal and state programs that identify, register, and protect the buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects that comprise Connecticut’s cultural heritage. It seeks new opportunities for collaboration on Restoration and community revitalization.
Connecticut Landmarks is a state-wide network of historic house museums spanning 400 years of New England history. Their museums are starting points for deeper exploration and greater appreciation of the Connecticut experience. They use real-life stories, as told through their houses, collections, and programs, to reinforce why history matters.
The Connecticut League of Museums (CLM) strengthens and sustains member organizations by sharing knowledge and experience, and promoting best practices among museums, historical societies and all who steward Connecticut’s heritage collections.
The Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) helps communities manage their Main Streets, creating a network of vibrant downtowns across Connecticut in the process. CMSC teaches community members to systematically cultivate the qualities that make Main Streets irresistible, grow local businesses, charm residents and visitors, and spark community pride.
Connecticut Preservation Action (CPA) is a non-profit advocacy group (501c4) of individuals and organizations who lobby to protect and promote legislation for historic preservation regulation, funding, programming, and grants in Connecticut.
Local Preservation Groups by Municipality or Region
Fairfield County Preservation Network
The Fairfield County Preservation Network (FCPN) is a county-wide resource—a forum and support system to empower and connect organizations, professionals and individuals who are dedicated to preserving the historic character of our region. The Network is an informal group, made possible through the support of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County (CAFC).
Hartford Preservation Alliance
The mission of the Hartford Preservation Alliance (HPA) is to Revitalize the Historic Fabric of Hartford; Connect people to their heritage; and collaborate to impact community economic development by providing historic preservation and revitalization technical assistance, education, and advocacy to those who live and work in Hartford.
Milford Preservation Trust
The Milford Preservation Trust seeks to save Milford’s historic places and properties.
New Canaan Preservation Alliance
The New Canaan Preservation Alliance Inc. was formed in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) organization in response to rising concerns over the rapid disappearance of the town’s historic built and natural environments.
New Haven Preservation Trust
The mission of New Haven Preservation Trust is to rally people to embrace and champion New Haven’s historic places and spaces.
New London Landmarks
New London Landmarks seeks to preserve and promote New London’s historic character through education, advocacy, and the Rehabilitation of historic structures.
Norwalk Preservation Trust
Norwalk Preservation Trust seeks to protect Norwalk’s irreplaceable historic buildings and neighborhoods, landscapes, and streetscapes, by raising awareness and taking appropriate action when necessary.
Old Saybrook Historical Society
The Old Saybrook Historical Society is dedicated to Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the History of Old Saybrook.
Preservation Torrington
Preservation Torrington seeks to promote, assist, and carry out the preservation of historically significant structures in the city of Torrington.
The Last Green Valley
The Last Green Valley is a National Heritage Corridor with a rich history in a surprisingly rural landscape. With 84% forest and farm, it is the last swath of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington DC.
Archaeology Organizations
The Archaeological Society of Connecticut serves to create opportunities in which people may learn, contribute, and remain current on archaeological activities around the state of Connecticut, as well as learn about the latest discoveries and archaeological techniques from around the country and, to a lesser extent, the world.
Friends of the Office of State Archaeology supports the Connecticut Office of State Archaeology through education, public outreach, partnerships with local communities, financial support, and public assistance.
The Office of State Archaeology (OSA) was established by state legislation to identify, manage, and preserve Connecticut’s archaeological resources. OSA works with developers and municipal officials, Native American communities, avocational and professional archaeologists, and academics to provide research support and technical information concerning the archaeological heritage of Connecticut.
Native American Organizations
Located in Washington, Connecticut, the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) — formerly the American Indian Archaeological Institute (AIAI) — is a museum and research center dedicated to providing unique, informative, and engaging experiences.
The Native American Heritage Advisory Council (NAHAC) makes recommendations on Native American heritage to the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Economic and Community Development.
THPOs are established under Section 101 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Tribal historic preservation officers (THPO) are responsible for implementing some or all the State Historic Preservation Officer’s (SHPO) responsibilities with respect to tribal lands. In Connecticut, there are two:
Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut
James Quinn, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
13 Crow Hill Rd. Uncasville, CT 06382
860-862-6893 or 860-862-6395
Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Indian Tribe
Michael E. Johnson, Acting THPO
110 Pequot Trail Mashantucket, CT 06338
(860) 396-7575