What role can historic sites and landmarks play in the civic life of our communities?

All over the world, historic places – large and small -- are transforming themselves into venues for civic engagement and public dialogue, expanding their interpretation to include multiple perspectives, and exploring the present-day implications of their histories. Through interpretation, curriculum-based education, and other public programming historic sites can connect the heritage of the nation to its contemporary environmental, social, and cultural issues. These intersections between historical and contemporary issues are at the heart of civic engagement.

The conference will offer innovative models and participatory workshops on:

• How to connect your history to the issues that matter most to your community
• How to train front line educators to connect the past with your community's present
• How to form effective partnerships with community organizations
• How to facilitate effective dialogue with diverse publics, even on sensitive issues
• How to incorporate multiple perspectives and tell the whole story

This conference is designed for a diverse audience including owners, managers, and interpreters of local, state, and federal historic places; educators and program developers; community groups and civic organizations; special interest groups and advocates interested in partnering with historic sites; representatives of communities surrounding historic sites or residents of historic districts; historic preservation advocates, scholars of history and memory, professionals, and students.

Please visit the website for more information and on-line registration.