About Preservation Kentucky
History
Statewide preservation advocacy began in Kentucky in the late 1970s with the formation of the Commonwealth Preservation Council of Kentucky 1978. By the 1990s, the organization was renamed Commonwealth Preservation Advocates.
Preservation Kentucky was formed in 1998 by the board of Commonwealth Preservation Advocates to be the nonprofit historic preservation advocacy organization for Kentucky. Commonwealth Preservation Advocates continues as the state preservation lobbying organization.
Preservation Kentucky is a non-profit, 501(c) organization that relies on membership revenue, grants, and other donations for operating funds. Members include individuals, businesses, community organizations and government agencies.
Preservation Kentucky is a Forum member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Preservation Kentucky sponsors various education programs including:
- The Photo Essay Competition open to Kentucky elementary, middle or high school students
- The Kentucky's Most Endangered List which spotlights irreplaceable historic resources that are at risk of being lost or demolished
- Programs, workshops and lectures held throughout the state
- Co-sponsor of biennial statewide preservation conference
- Speakers Bureau available providing speakers to schools, service organizations and other interested groups throughout the state
- The Edith S. Bingham Preservation Fund provides funding for heritage education
Advocacy
Our advocacy partners on the federal level include Preservation Action and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Both organizations offer up to date information regarding legislation on their websites.
Information regarding legislation in the state of Kentucky can be found on the internet at www.lrc.ky.gov. This site can be used to search for bills and legislations already signed into law. The information is updated daily when the Kentucky General Assembly is in session.
Project Sponsorship: Rural Heritage Development Initiative
The Rural Heritage Development Initiative is a three-year rural preservation pilot project to implement preservation-based economic development strategies in eight central Kentucky counties: Boyle, Green, LaRue, Marion, Mercer, Nelson, Taylor and Washington. The RHDI is sponsored by Preservation Kentucky, the Kentucky Heritage Council, The National Trust for Historic Preservation and funded through a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation with financial match from private donors and the local counties. Contact the RHDI Field Representative, Amy Sparrow Potts.