Mission

The Young Guardians program cultivates a new generation of preservation-minded leaders who understand the value of protecting historic structures and landmarks. While our current efforts focus on saving the physical legacy of the past, the long-term success of that mission depends on who will carry it forward.

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By engaging youth early, this program fosters a sense of ownership, pride, and responsibility for the built environment around them—especially in communities where historic structures are often overlooked or at risk. Through interactive learning, field experiences, and creative projects, young participants learn how buildings tell stories, how architectural preservation works, and why saving these places matters.

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The program doesn’t just teach history—it teaches how to preserve it. Youth gain exposure to hands-on skills in building care, documentation, and restoration, as well as essential knowledge in areas like grant writing, historical designation processes, and community advocacy. This kind of early education is critical for ensuring that historic preservation remains an active, living practice—not a lost art.

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Our youth should participate because they are the future stewards of our landmarks. By learning how to value and protect these spaces now, they become powerful voices for preservation in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond. The Young Guardians program equips them with real-world skills, leadership opportunities, and a deeper connection to the places that define our cultural heritage.

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In short, the program doesn’t just prepare young people to inherit the work of preservation—it prepares them to lead it.