Rochester, N.Y., April 11, 2024 – Preservation and community revitalization experts from across New York State will convene in Rochester April 15-17, 2024 during the 2024 NY Statewide Preservation Conference. Hosted in Rochester by the Landmark Society, Preservation League of NYS, New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, alongside presenting sponsor Rochester Colonial and additional sponsors, the 2024 Preservation Conference will bring 300 attendees to Rochester for professional development, networking and field sessions that will take attendees to community-based sites for deeper learning.
The NY Statewide Preservation Conference is the only event of its kind in the state—a multi-day gathering for anyone involved in preservation and community revitalization. It’s an opportunity to learn, network and become inspired.
The 2024 Statewide Preservation Conference will also include the New York State Historic Preservation Awards and Reception. The Awards recognize individuals, organizations, agencies, and communities for recent projects demonstrating outstanding achievements in historic preservation efforts in New York State. These annual awards are presented by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“The Landmark Society is excited to bring the Conference back to Rochester for the first time since 2019, and we’re delighted to see registration numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels. We look forward to showcasing the important preservation work taking place in the Rochester community to our peers and colleagues from around the state,” said Becky Timmons, Director of Preservation Outreach at The Landmark Society of Western New York.
The NY Statewide Preservation Conference will take place at the Memorial Art Gallery in the Neighborhood of the Arts. Most conference sessions will take place in the historic Cutler Union building, the Gothic-style portion of the Memorial Art Gallery that originally served as the student union for the University of Rochester College for Women. During the Conference, attendees will have the opportunity to experience INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM – LET’S SURVIVE FOREVER, 2017, an immersive temporary exhibit by Yayoi Kusama.
Offsite activities for out-of-town attendees include a bus tour of Rochester’s Frederick Law Olmsted parks and a walking tour of the Neighborhood of the Arts. Community-based field sessions will occur at the Rochester Rainbow Union Lilac Library, The Little Theatre and Rochester Colonial Manufacturing.
"Hosting the New York Statewide Preservation Conference in Rochester is a testament to our city's rich history and commitment to preservation,” said Don Jeffries, Visit Rochester president & CEO. “We welcome preservation enthusiasts from across the state to explore Rochester's unique blend of past and present, and to experience first-hand many of the significant sites and locations across our community.”
Registration is open through April 5 (or while space remains), and special student pricing is available. For registration and more information, visit https://landmarksociety.org/conference/.
The conference is hosted by the Landmark Society, Preservation League of NYS, New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, with local partners City of Rochester and AIA Rochester. Funding is provided by National Park Service, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and individual and corporate sponsorships.
Conventions and events like the NY Statewide Preservation Conference play a significant role on the overall economic impact of the tourism and hospitality industry in Monroe County, which in 2022 exceeded $1.27 billion. The tourism industry is responsible for nearly 20,000 jobs in Monroe County, and generates $155 million in state and local taxes.
About The Landmark Society
The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc., is one of the nation’s oldest and most active historic preservation organizations. It is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to helping our region’s communities preserve and capitalize on their rich architectural, historical, and cultural heritage. The Landmark Society’s service area covers nine counties in western New York centered on the City of Rochester. Our mission is to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable, and sustainable communities.
Visit Rochester
Visit Rochester is the official tourism promotion agency for Greater Rochester and Monroe County. Visit Rochester is a membership organization with over 400 members representing, lodging, retail, restaurants, services, and community organizations. Working together with our members and partners, we strive to provide the best experience to all visitors to our community, including both business and leisure travelers.
