About Us

Established in 1994 by Cornell University's Michael Tomlan and Bob Pick, PreserveNet was the result of a collaborative effort by preservation students from several universities who wished to assemble preservation information in what was then the new and exciting World Wide Web. Continually updated and expanded since then, PreserveNet contains internet-based resources from hundreds of relevant sites and includes a current listing of professional and educational opportunities.

If you have suggestions on how we might improve the site or if you have a preservation-related question, please feel free to send an e-mail to manager@preservenet.org. To find out more about our sponsor, the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE), visit NCPE.US.

National Council for Preservation Education

The collection of information accessed via the internet - now known as the World Wide Web - became available to the public in 1991; three years later PreserveNet was established as a resource of the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE, "nick-pea").

Purpose

The National Council was founded in 1978 to foster awareness of our shared architectural, historical, cultural, and environmental heritage through educational initiatives.

A non-profit organization, NCPE's members are faculty from state chartered educational institutions offering programs (majors, minors, concentrations, certificates) in historic preservation.

Objectives

NCPE fulfills its mission by:

  • Encouraging and assisting in the development and improvement of historic preservation education programs and endeavors in the U.S. and elsewhere.
  • Coordinating efforts related to preservation education between public and private organizations and interested individuals.
  • Facilitating the collection, exchange, and dissemination of information and ideas concerning preservation education.
  • Creating public awareness of endeavors in preservation education.

Activities

PreserveNet is only one component of NCPE. The organization also —

  • Establishes and maintains Membership Standards for academic institutions that award degrees and certificates in historic preservation
  • Publishes PER - the Journal of Preservation Education & Research - to encourage scholarship by academics, emerging professionals, and students in the field
  • Honors preservation educators for outstanding achievements with the annual James Marston Fitch Award
  • Hosts an annual conference with speakers on a range of topics of interest to students and preservation educators
  • Sponsors internships for college students and recent graduates in historic preservation and allied fields in conjunction with the U.S. National Park Service (visit https://preservenet.org/ncpe-internships for details)

To find out more about the National Council, visit http://ncpe.us

Q: What is PreserveNet?
A: PreserveNet is a website with a variety of resources of interest to students, professionals, academics, and the public in the field of historic preservation. Key sections are the jobs board, links to websites and other online information, and a list of degree programs in historic preservation.

Q: How is PreserveNet different from the National Council for Preservation Education?
A: PreserveNet is a program of and sponsored by the National Council for Preservation (NCPE), a national non-profit organization dedicated to fostering awareness about preservation issues through educational initiatives. NCPE has its own website: at http://ncpe.us.

Q: What is Historic Preservation and what is Preservation Education?
A: Historic preservation is an important way for us to transmit our understanding of the past to future generations. Some of the ways this is done is by studying, preserving and protecting historic buildings, structures, archeological sites, landscapes, and objects of the human-made, as opposed to the natural, environment .
Preservation Education can take many forms, from self-education through reading and on-the-job training to post-secondary academic study. Visit https://preservenet.org/education/ for a list of degree programs that meet the standards set by the National Council for Preservation Education. The Resources section of this website (https://preservenet.org/resources/) contains a wealth of information, including continuing education opportunities, of benefit to students, professionals, academics, and preservation enthusiasts.

Q: How do I post a job? Is there a fee?
A: Employers with open positions in historic preservation and related fields can post on the website without charge. Go to https://preservenet.org/submit-a-job/ and fill out all the required fields and as many optional fields that apply. The positions can be full-time, part-time, temporary, a consultancy, internship, or volunteer. Note that an Annual Salary or description of compensation is required for all positions; follow the instructions provided for Hourly Wage positions.

Q: How do I apply for a job?
A: Each job listing includes information on how to apply or a contact name/email to follow up. Only internships sponsored by the National Council for Preservation Education and labeled "NCPE Internships" can be applied for online through this website.

Q: What is the difference between an internship and a "NCPE" internship?
A: NCPE internships are sponsored by an agreement between PreserveNet's sponsor, the National Council for Preservation Education, in cooperating with the National Park Service. They are paid internships open to post-secondary degree-seeking students and recent graduates in historic preservation and related fields. Candidates apply online at PreserveNet. All other internships are posted by employers (non-profit, for-profit, and academic institutions) and the application process is external to PreserveNet.

Q: Do any of the educational institutions with historic preservation programs offer scholarships or other financial support?
A: All programs offer some financial support; contact the institution directly for details and other opportunities (for example, teaching or research assistanceships) that may be available. Scholarships external to the institution are another source of financial assistance. Visit https://preservenet.org/education/ for a list of scholarships and fellowships you may be eligible for.

Q: Can I pursue a career in preservation without a degree?
A: Yes, although many positions require a post-secondary degree and related experience. If your degree is not in historic preservation or a related field, or you do not have a degree, you may find it beneficial to obtain a certificate or attend a field school related to your career interests Both the Education and Resources sections of PreserveNet will link you to a range of opportunities for training, continuing education, and more.

Q: Who do I contact if I want to add or update a link or if I have a question about the website?
A: The site manager can be reached at manager@preservenet.org. Also visit the Contact Us page for other ways to reach the staff.