The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division (NMHPD), in partnership with Cornerstones Community Partnerships, is set to host a three-day Historic Preservation Conference in Las Vegas, New Mexico, beginning October 3. This marks the first event of its kind in over ten years.
State Historic Preservation Officer Michelle Ensey emphasized the significance of the conference: "This conference represents an opportunity to bring together organizations across the state who are focused on preservation in their communities." She expressed gratitude for the collaboration that made the event possible.
Scheduled at New Mexico Highlands University’s Las Vegas campus, Viva Vegas 25 will cover various aspects of historic preservation. Topics include sustainability, affordable housing, gentrification, cultural preservation, and more. Attendees can also participate in tours of culturally significant sites like the Mora Valley mills.
Speakers feature NMHPD staff and experts such as architect Beverley Spears and Chris Wilson from the University of New Mexico. Spears will present ‘American Adobes: Cultural Fusion and Adaptation,’ while Wilson will address issues related to housing affordability in his talk ‘Preservation, Urbanism, and the Housing Crisis.’
The conference will also offer breakout sessions on subjects like developing historic sites and repurposing downtown buildings. A detailed schedule is available online.
For more information and registration details, visit preservenewmexico.com. Early Bird registration is $250 until September 30.
The NMHPD operates under the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and plays a crucial role in managing historic preservation activities statewide. It educates the public about preserving historical sites and protects numerous archaeological locations across New Mexico.
Information from this article can be found here.
