The Diversity in Preservation Scholarship Program provides support for attendance to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2026 National Summit, held in Washington, DC, September 22-24, 2026 (dates subject to change).

As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Founding Era, the National Trust for Historic Preservation is bringing together more than 500 preservation and community leaders—both in person and online—for a powerful one‑day National Summit in Washington DC. This gathering will spotlight how our founding ideals of liberty, equality, self‑government, and opportunity continue to shape and inspire preservation work today. The National Summit will feature elected officials, scholars, public intellectuals, and industry experts from across the country exploring how historic places can revitalize communities, meet urgent local needs, and tell a fuller, more inclusive American story. During this polarized time, historic places offer the rare ability to ground us in shared history, inspire civic imagination, and help shape a more just and humane future.

The Diversity in Preservation Scholarship Program convenes established and emerging leaders in the historic preservation community and allied fields. To date, the program has provided over 2,800 scholarships to conferences and in-person convenings to participants with an interest in working with places that honor the diverse achievements, stories and heritage of all Americans.  Passionate volunteers, students, and professionals are all encouraged to apply.

Scholars receive complimentary registration (valued at $500), hotel lodging, and a $500 travel stipend to attend the National Summit in Washington, DC. Scholars will also have the opportunity to participate in bi-monthly, virtual convenings which will be held through September 2027. These convenings provide practical guidance to maximize opportunities with the National Trust and facilitate important networking opportunities with outstanding national leaders from a variety of professions within the wide-ranging movement.

Please visit the Summit's webpage to learn more about the event, opportunities to connect, and important news. For more information on the Diversity in Preservation Scholarship program, please follow the link. 

For technical assistance with the application form, please visit https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/ For any other questions contact conference@savingplaces.org. 

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation and sustainability of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save or retrofit important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past using modern techniques; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the economic, environmental, and educational value of preservation.

The National Trust is now accepting nominations in the following categories:

• the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award
• the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Awards
• the National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation
• the Trustees’ Award for Organizational Excellence
• the Trustees Emeritus Award for Historic Site Stewardship

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. your local time zone.         

For technical assistance with the application form, please visit https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/         

For any other questions, please contact awards@savingplaces.org.