The Association for Preservation Technology (APT), National Trust for Canada, and Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP) presented a joint international conference on heritage conservation entitled “Building Bridges: Connecting Places, Cultures, and Practices.”
The inspiring event, focused on bridging the knowledge gap and gaining new insights upon the ongoing challenges in historic preservation, climate resiliency, and social equity, was held in Montreal – North America’s francophone cultural metropolis, a world-renowned heritage hub, and an industry, research, and practice hotspot.
On November 18th, Principal Angel Ayón shared his advocacy experience with Historic Preservation in Harlem, New York, as part of a Special Plenary – Transforming Heritage: Implementing Historic Preservation Change in a Time of Social Upheaval. Angel spoke with fellow panelists Aly Ndiaye, Di Gao, Eladia Smoke, and Patricia Kell.
Moderated by Tiffani Simple, the discussion explored the evolving work and significance of heritage conservation today, focusing on adjusting its mission and effectively implementing it amid rapid social change in response to a range of unprecedented challenges. The urgency to decolonize heritage processes and practices has become increasingly real, as our planet confronts catastrophic climate change and escalating social, class, and racial tensions.