National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference in Milwaukee for the First Time

MILWAUKEE – For the first time in its 75-year convening history, the National Trust for Historic Preservation will host its annual conference in Milwaukee. PastForward 2025 will take place September 16–18 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, bringing together more than 800 historic preservationists, architects, developers, planners, historians, elected officials, and community leaders from across the country.

“Historic preservation is at the heart of what makes Milwaukee such a remarkable city,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “That’s why we’re grateful and proud to hold this year’s PastForward conference here. With the preservation of irreplaceable historical gems like the Warner Grand Theater, the former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel headquarters, and the Pabst Brewery Complex, Milwaukee is an outstanding model for how other cities can activate the power of historic sites to serve communities now and into the future.”

Milwaukee was chosen to host this year’s event in recognition of its nationally significant architectural and cultural heritage, and so that it can serve as a model for other cities that are trying to put historic places to use in new ways. The National Trust previously honored Milwaukee with a National Preservation Award for the Journal Commons redevelopment, and highlighted both The Domes and the Milwaukee Soldiers Home on its annual list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” Following those listings, the National Trust was critical in drawing national attention to both sites, and ultimately moving them from crisis toward credible, fundable preservation solutions—housing veterans at the Soldiers Home, and a clear preservation roadmap for the Domes.

“Milwaukee has a rich, diverse history that’s rooted in historic preservation,” said Emma Rudd, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, a local partner of the National Trust. “I’m thrilled to welcome everyone to our incredible city, and for the opportunity to showcase what makes us uniquely Milwaukee.”

The three-day conference will feature 35 educational sessions and 100+ speakers, including Milwaukee historian John Gurda, NYT bestselling author Clint Smith, and preservation luminary Carl Elefante. And for the first time, members of the public who are not attending the conference are invited to register on an à la carte basis for any of the 22 Field Studies taking place across the area, behind-the-scenes access to sites including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, The Burnham Block, Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum, the Domes, and the Milwaukee Soldiers Home.

Conference registration is available at savingplaces.org/conference.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities maintain and enhance the power of historic places. Chartered by Congress in 1949 and supported by partners, friends, and champions nationwide, we help preserve the places and stories that make communities unique. Through the stewardship and revitalization of historic sites, we help communities foster economic growth, create healthier environments, and build a stronger, shared sense of civic duty and belonging. SavingPlaces.org

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.