What We do
Advocacy
Advocacy takes many forms, meaning anyone - including you - can become an advocate for historic preservation.
Advocating for Historic Seattle's preservation agenda does not require scholarly expertise in local history and architecture. But it does require a knowledgeable interest in Seattle's built environment, a willingness to donate time and effort, and a passion for community heritage.
Photo: This Place Matters – Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead, West Seattle, July 4, 2010 / Image courtesy of Jean Sherrard
What does it mean to advocate for historic preservation?
Advocacy starts with tracking the plans and policies of local, state, and national actors and how their actions affect historic preservation. Attending and speaking at meetings of the local preservation commission is advocacy, as is donating - because "strength in numbers" is not just a cliché. Your participation is a powerful voice with policy makers, developers, and others who make decisions about the community's historic environment.
How does Historic Seattle advocate for historic preservation?
Historic Seattle offers excellent preservation services by developing and implementing preservation policies and initiatives, providing technical assistance for constituents, helping develop programs, engaging in community outreach, and coordinating advocacy with grass-roots groups, individuals, and local government.
To join Historic Seattle's advocacy program or for more information on preservation in your neighborhood, contact Director of Preservation Services Eugenia Woo at (206) 622-5444 x 245 or [email protected].
Preservation Planning and Public Policy
The results of historic preservation are most apparent in those buildings that have been rehabilitated and returned to their former glory; however, the advocacy work that happens behind the scenes is just as instrumental as a restored facade.
Landmarks and Historic Registers
Resources at the national, state, county and local level provide frameworks to evaluate and officially designate places as historic.
Photo: Jean Sherrard
Incentives for Historic Preservation
Historic Seattle is an active advocate for the expansion of financial and honorific incentive programs that support the continued preservation of Seattle’s historic places.
Best Practices in Preservation
Historic Seattle offers guidance on best practices in preservation through technical assistance by connecting people with the appropriate resources. The following are frequently requested topics of inquiry and helpful sources of information.