The Out(sider) Preservation Initiative: The Field Beyond Regulation and Lists

by Dr. Andrea Roberts

Black in Historic Preservation presents an engaging discussion on community-driven heritage preservation that centers descendant voices in commemorating Black freedom-seeking and placemaking across America and Canada. This conversation will explore how advocacy and preservation theory intersect with practical business operations, including contract development and Request for Proposal (RFP) strategies that support descendant communities in preserving their cultural heritage.

Discover innovative approaches to historic preservation that move beyond the box of traditional frameworks through creative storytelling, grants, and community partnerships. The discussion will highlight the Initiative's work in developing preservation pedagogy, creating virtual commemorative landscapes, and fostering communities of practice that honor Black settlements and Freedom Colonies.

Who is this talk for?

Perfect for preservationists, grassroots community advocates, cultural workers, historians, and anyone interested in ethical community engagement and descendant-led preservation practices.

CEUs?

For those who need CEUs, you will be responsible for self-reporting your credits to your respective authority having jurisdiction over your license. For your records, please request a certificate in the event's feedback form.

About the Speaker

Dr. Andrea Roberts is an Associate Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning and director of the Center for Cultural Landscapes (CCL) at the University of Virginia.

She’s the founder of The Texas Freedom Colonies Project Atlas & Study (TXFC), a vehicle through which students, descendants, & volunteers have documented 533 Black settlements. She leads the Mellon Foundation-funded Outsider Preservation Initiative, which extends The TXFC Project's work throughout the US and Canada.