MHPN “Proactive Preservation”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE:02/20/2018
CONTACT:Janet Kreger, MHPN Conference Co-Manager
PHONE:734-222-9310
E-MAIL:
OR
CONTACT: Nancy Finegood, MHPN Executive Director
PHONE:(517) 371-8080
E-MAIL:
DRAFT
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38thAnnual Statewide Preservation Conference
May 17-19, 2018, East Lansing Hannah Community Center, East Lansing, Michigan
LANSING, MI: Titled “Proactive Preservation,” the 38th annual conference presented by the Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN), takes place May 17-19in East Lansing.
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The Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) is pleased to bring its 38th annual statewide preservation conference to the City of East Lansing. Anticipating upwards of 400 participants for the three days of conference programming, MHPN leaders are enthusiastic about having people from around the state and the Midwest gather in this college town. “With the city having a noteworthy array of residential neighborhoods highlighted by remarkable trees and open spaces, it is a comfortable, welcoming setting for our participants,” states Denise McGeen, MHPN President. “It’s like a textbook of 20th century residential architecture.”
In explaining this year’s theme of “Proactive Preservation,” the MHPN’s Executive Director, Nancy Finegood, states that “historic preservationists are skilled advocates for the work we do although few of us would think of ourselves that way. Our efforts often attract little attention and yet the difference we make is huge.” Michigan’s preservationists maintain their traditional downtowns and neighborhoods, understand and protect their pre-historic and historic archaeological resources, safeguard architectural treasures of the recent past, revitalize their Legacy Cities, counter development pressures on shoreline and agricultural communities, and more.
“None of this work happens by itself,” adds Amanda Harrell-Seyburn, current chair of the East Lansing Historic District Commission. “It takes citizen involvement and civic leadership with finely-honed advocacy skills to move things forward. East Lansing’s history of preservation efforts, its current activities, and its plans for the future parallel those of other communities around the state.” In East Lansing, participants will be exploring the options together.
As always, the MHPN conference features four tracks facilitated by “presenterswho are experts in their fields,” notes Elaine Robinson, a 2018 Conference Co-Manager and former MHPN President. “The varied tracks of programming allow attendees to gain the knowledge needed to give shape to their own preservation efforts. For example, Track One showcases inspirational projects in our host community and throughout Michigan,reflective of our conference theme.” Thursday morning starts with an All-Conference Panel Discussion titled “Advocacy and Proactive Preservation” during which experts ranging from grass-root activists to lobbyists to legislators talk about strategies for effective preservation. A session titled “In Our Element: Preserving History in East Lansing,” dives into the rich history of the City and the preservation issues its Historic District Commission have tackled. Focusing on another part of the state, “Bringing ‘Brick + Mortar Value’ Back to Bay City” is a session that explores the advocacy needed to build consensus around investing in that city’s superb architecture.
Track Two looks at the skills needed for success. The MHPN again offers its ticketed workshop titled “Incentives for Preservation Projects.” Always a sell-out, the session looks in-depth at the power of combining available incentives such as the federal historic tax credit program, Michigan’s Transformational Brownfield Plan Incentives, Michigan’s Community Reinvestment Program, MHPN’s Intervention and Predevelopment Loans, and more. An extremely successful program fostering community revitalization is showcased by the session “Michigan Main Street and Redevelopment Ready Communities: Planning for Preservation.” Specialists from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and also the Main Street Programs in Howell and Charlevoix discuss how to drive economic development through historic preservation.
Overseen by the MHPN’s Historic Resource Council, Track Three sessions look attechniques for preserving and restoring historic properties. “Proactive Evaluation of Existing Buildings” studies methods to counter the distress both water and humans place on historic building materials. “Saving Michigan’s Offshore Lights” considers the conservation of structures in some of our state’s most isolated and hostile environments, teaching valuable lessons that apply to every building. The session titled “Got Archaeology? Proactive Preservation with Archaeology and Criterion D,” is of interest to anyone working to conserve the below-ground resources of our state.
Finally, Track Four offers tours of East Lansing that feature projects influenced by citizen advocacy, communities with a commitment to preservation as a revitalization tool, and the partnerships that boost effectiveness. “Sacred Spaces, Special Places: East Lansing’s Houses of Worship” and “Mid-Century Modern Architecture Meets Mid-Michigan,” both have a very specific focus, whereas “One City – Two Personalities: East Lansing and MSU”gives participants a sweeping overview of our host community. There is also much enthusiasm growing for the MHPN’s first-ever twilight archaeology tour on MSU’s campus, “The History Under Your Feet.”
Ruth Mills, the MHPN’s Immediate Past President’s and also one of the 2018 Conference Co-Managers, notes that “beyond great programming, there are many special events.” On Friday night, for example, the MHPN hosts the 27th Annual Preservation Awards Reception and Ceremony at which those who have been doing great preservation work around Michigan are honored. Two other events are free with the public welcomed. Thursday evening’s Opening Reception features the Annual Vendors’ Showcase that presents an opportunity for conference participants and area residents to learn about resources and products for repairing and restoring historic buildings. Tradespeople, contractors, suppliers, architects, and other specialists are available for questions. Also free is Friday afternoon’s annual keynote address – “Advocacy: The Heart of Preservation” - delivered by Renee Kuhlman, Director of Policy Outreach, Government Relations & Policy, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. Also special is that guests can bid on auction items, vie for a great raffle prize, and pick up must-have books at the “Half Ton Used Book Sale” throughout the conference.
Tickets are available for purchase for a number of valuable how-to sessions such as “Federal Historic Tax Credits 101” and “Conserving History: Using Charitable Contributions of Easements to Protect Historic Structures.” The Saturday morning workshop for Historic District Commissioners has a reduced ticket price to assure that as many people can attend as possible. This year the focus is on how historic significance is determined, especially for previously neglected resources such as landscapes, outbuildings, and buildings from the recent past. Also on Saturday is the MHPN’s 2018 Great Michigan Road Trip. Titled “County Seats to Capitals,” the tour takes participants to see the Ingham County Courthouse in Mason, Old Town in North Lansing, the traditional downtown of Lansing, and, south of downtown, REO Town and Moores River Drive; an insider’s tour of thestate Capitol caps off the full-day program.
To learn about the conference, download the brochure at request a copyat r call (517) 371-8080. The basic program on Thursday and Friday is $155 per day for members. There are member benefits (on-the-spot membership is available), single-day pricing, reductions for full-time students and those 60+, and an early-bird discount. All sessions and tours are approved for AICP,AIA, and MCP credits. Consider extending your stay to“Make It an East Lansing Weekend” becauseour conference rate at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center extends through Sunday! Not only is East Lansing and MSU rich with cultural activities, shops, restaurants, and historic places, but the 55th East Lansing Art Festival takes place downtown May 19-20!
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The MHPN is Michigan’s statewide preservation organization and the advocacy and resource group for preservationists from all backgrounds. Founded in 1981, the MHPN has hosted this annual educational conference every year since it was founded, moving it around the state to reach more and more people each year. For information about MHPN, please visit our website at: .
313 César E. Chávez Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48906