National Preservation Conference Coming to Portland

PORTLAND-The National Trust for Historic Preservation will hold its 2005 conference here during the last week of September. This year’s conference theme is “Sustain America – Vision, Economics, and Preservation.” Attendees will explore the role historic preservation plays in real estate development, affordable housing, heritage tourism, smart growth, cultural landscapes and protection of the recent past. More than 2,000 people are expected.The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. The Trust was founded in 1949 and counts 270,000 members. The conference, one of the top educational gatherings of its kind in the US, will feature 50 educational sessions, 30 field sessions exploring Portland and the region and, of course, opportunities for preservationists to network with leaders in the preservation movement. Keynote speakers include Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR); David Masumoto, organic farmer and advocate of rural preservation; Donovan Rypkema, president of Historic Strategies International; and Roberta Conner, director of Tamastslikt Cultural Institute. Additional speakers include Phillip W. Grone, deputy undersecretary of Defense for Installations and Environment; David Rusk, nationally known expert on smart growth; Portland Mayor Tom Potter; Clay Jenkinson, Lewis and Clark expert; James Hamrick, Oregon deputy state historic preservation officer; and Robert Gerding, principal of Gerding/Edlen Development Company. Discounted early registration is available until July 30, 2005 at a cost of $295 for nonmembers. Advance registration is open from July 31 until Sept. 21, 2005 at a cost of $355 for nonmembers and will then be accepted at the conference for $470. Additionally, daily passes can be purchased on site and there are several free sessions open to the public. Visit www.nthpconference.org or call 202-588-6296 for more information about the National Preservation Conference and registration fees.