California Preservation Foundation Conference Kicks Off in Riverside

Published: 5/6/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 6, 2026

Contact:

Phil Pitchford

Public Information Officer

951-826-5975

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California Preservation Foundation Conference Kicks Off in Riverside

Theme is "Past Meets Possible: Reimagining Place and Purpose"

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The California Preservation Foundation's 2026 California Preservation Conference kicks off today (5/6) at the Riverside Convention Center in downtown Riverside. The four-day gathering brings together hundreds of professionals, advocates, and community leaders to explore how historic preservation can address some of the most pressing challenges facing California today.

The 2026 conference theme, "Past Meets Possible: Reimagining Place and Purpose," highlights how preservation intersects with housing, climate resilience, economic development, and community identity. Educational sessions, tours, workshops, and special events will help attendees examine how historic places can be powerful tools for creating more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant communities.

"For five decades, the California Preservation Foundation has brought together historic preservationists and advocates for California's iconic built environment," City Councilmember Philip Falcone said. "This year, as they celebrate their 50^th conference we are proud that they are returning home to Riverside. In 1976, their first conference was in Riverside and now, for their golden anniversary, they are back in the city where it all began."

Over the course of four days, the California Preservation Conference will feature more than 40 educational sessions, tours, and special events, including in-depth sessions on preservation strategies, hands-on tours of Riverside's historic sites, and mobile workshops exploring adaptive reuse, sustainability, and equity in real-world settings.

The event will culminate with the California Preservation Awards reception and ceremony at the Mission Inn, which will recognize exemplary achievements in historic preservation across the state.

The California Preservation Conference is organized by the California Preservation Foundation, a statewide leader in historic preservation education and advocacy.

"California's historic places are not just about the past-they are critical assets for our future," said Cindy Heitzman, Executive Director of the California Preservation Foundation. "This conference brings together the people who are reimagining how preservation can support our economy, environment, and quality of life."

More information can be found at: https://californiapreservation.org/conference

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