Who’s Who in CT Preservation
We collaborate with many preservation organizations.
… And we also get confused with them. We hope this list clears things up!
1. Preservation Connecticut
That’s us (until 2019, known as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation)! We are a statewide, private nonprofit group with a broad mission to preserve, protect, and promote the buildings, sites, and landscapes that contribute to the heritage and vitality of Connecticut communities.
2. Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
The Connecticut SHPO (pronounced “Shippo”) is a state agency, within the Department of Community and Economic Development, and our most important partner. The SHPO is responsible for overseeing the governmental program of historic preservation for Connecticut’s citizens and administers a range of federal and state programs that identify, register and protect the buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects that comprise Connecticut’s cultural heritage.
Preservation Connecticut works with the SHPO on a wide variety of initiatives, including our documentary surveys and our grants. SHPO has helped initiate and support several successful Trust programs, including the popular Circuit Rider program.
3. Connecticut Landmarks
This organization is a statewide nonprofit that manages 11 significant historic properties, rents some properties for events, and runs educational programs.
Preservation Connecticut has provided grant funding and Circuit Rider assistance to Connecticut Landmarks.
4. Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO)
The CLHO is a professional organization for museums and historical societies. It aims to articulate museum standards, assist museum staff, and connect museum professionals.
Preservation Connecticut has worked with the CLHO and member organizations to educate the public about preservation and history.
5. Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC)
Found in more than 1,200 communities nationwide, Main Street programs combine historic preservation with economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts. CMSC supports about a dozen professionally managed Main Street programs, as well as other affiliates.
Preservation Connecticut works with CMSC on advocacy and on economic development projects.
6. Connecticut Preservation Action (CPA)
Connecticut Preservation Action coordinates a network of preservationists, community activists, and civic leaders who provide grassroots support for preservation at the State Capitol.
Preservation Connecticut often collaborates with CPA to advocate together for important policy changes and programs, such as the Community Investment Act.
7. Local Preservation Commissions
Preservation commissions are local government bodies that identify and regulate historically significant properties. They are established through the adoption of a local preservation ordinance, which typically empowers them to review alterations to and demolitions of historic buildings, or new construction in historic districts.
Preservation Connecticut trains members of historic commissions in workshops that occur around the state.
8. Local Preservation Organizations
These nonprofits, often dubbed historical societies, collect artifacts, administer museums, and provide technical/educational assistance.
Preservation Connecticut partners with local preservation organizations in advocacy efforts and preservation programs.
9. Certified Local Governments (CLG)
CLGs are local governments with historic preservation programs that meet the prescribed standards of the National Park Service, making them eligible for technical assistance and small matching grants. There are over 2,000 CLGs nationwide, including 50 in Connecticut.
Preservation Connecticut supports the work of CLGs by training staff and preservation commissioners, and by providing grants and technical assistance.
10. National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust is a nonprofit organization with a focus on preservation nationally. It advocates for historic tax credit programs, educates preservation professionals, and publishes a blog and magazine.
Preservation Connecticut is the National Trust’s statewide affiliate. We partner on advocacy, litigation, and stewardship matters – and we have supported the listing of properties on the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Places, including most recently Bridgeport’s Mary & Eliza Freeman Houses.