Preservation Maryland

How We Work

Preservation Maryland is a statewide non-profit working to protect the Maryland’s unique and irreplaceable heritage while creating a more equitable and sustainable future. Through strategic programming and partnerships, the organization is using the best of our past to solve some of today’s biggest challenges, including the effects of climate change, affordable housing, and workforce development.

Although the organization’s core mission remains the same as when we started in 1931, our work has adapted, our strategies have diversified, and our approach has modernized. We remain at the forefront of the preservation movement, creatively working to preserve place, effect policy change, and grow the historic preservation workforce so our shared history can be enjoyed for untold generations to come.

Our work is focused on:

• Preserving Place 

When we talk about preserving place, we mean both the tangible aspects of physical structures, and the intangible heritage and culture that makes a community what it is – things that cannot be seen but can be felt. Our Historic Property Redevelopment Program is a catalyst for revitalization, making direct investments in historic places across the state that will also solve modern challenges.

In addition to leading the hands-on work of preserving historic structures, our program Smart Growth Maryland supports and advocates for more environmentally and economically sustainable communities through better development patterns.  

• Workforce Development

Through our innovative national workforce development initiative The Campaign for Historic Trades, we are working to expand and strengthen careers in the high-demand field of historic trades by resolving access barriers. Recruiting young adults and recent veterans for paid, hands-on trades positions across the country, The Campaign is taking the lead nationally to standardize historic trades education and grow specialized skills to properly preserve historic structures and materials.

• Championing Change and Progress  

Year after year we make significant policy advances for preservation in Maryland, while securing an unprecedented amount of funding for preservation efforts across the state. For more than 90 years we have led efforts across the state to protect historic sites, whether we are executing that work or providing direct financial support so others have the resources needed to conduct vital preservation projects.