The Next Generation of Kansas City’s Historic Preservation Community
The Young Preservationists KC is an affiliate group of Historic Kansas City that strives to encourage and mobilize young preservationists through service, learning and advocacy. The YP cohort’s focus is on raising awareness of preservation activities in the community while offering young professionals a chance to meet new people and network, learn about the history of Kansas City’s built environment, and enjoy social events.
Historic Kansas City looks to provide meaningful engagement and leadership skills to the Young Preservationists. Whether you’re brand new to preservation, or have been involved for a few years, we hope you consider joining other highly motivated volunteers and professionals who are committed to preserving Kansas City’s historic buildings.
To get involved with Young Preservationists, sign up for our newsletter and consider joining Historic Kansas City as a “Young Preservationists” member at the cost of only $20. (This is the only way you can guarantee notification of and invitation to all Young Preservationist activities).
We are currently recruiting members of our eight-person Young Preservationists Advisory Board. For those interested in coordinating future YP programs, events, and activities, learn more and apply with our Advisory Board Interest Form.
Purpose
Young Preservationists’ goal is to create opportunities for young professionals to:
- Build meaningful relationships with people who care about Kansas City
- Gain behind-the-scenes access to preservation projects and historic places
- Learn from architects, developers, craftspeople, historians, and civic leaders
- Explore preservation careers, trades, and volunteer opportunities
Through engaging experiences, networking, and career development, Young Preservationists hopes to build future leaders in preservation and strengthen the existing local preservation community.
What We Do
“Urban Explorers” Tours: Exclusive tours of buildings, projects, and spaces rarely open to the public, giving members a chance to see active rehabilitation projects and historic buildings at different stages in adaptive reuse.
Preservation In Practice: Hands-on workshops that connect members with the skills, trades, and craftsmanship that make preservation possible.
Civic Conversations: Engaging discussions with architects, planners, developers, preservationists, and neighborhood leaders tackling the challenges shaping Kansas City’s future.
Preservation After Hours: Bi-monthly gatherings in historic spaces, adaptive reuse projects, and unique Kansas City venues. Meet fellow preservationists while discovering the stories behind the places around us.
Leadership Opportunities: Help shape the direction of Young Preservationists through event planning, committee service, volunteer projects, advocacy efforts, and community engagement.
Who Should Join
Young Preservationists welcomes people from every background and profession. If you care about Kansas City and want to meet others who do too, you’re in the right place. Our members bring passion, an eagerness to learn, and a desire to make an impact on the city we call home.
Young Preservationists aims to cater to the following groups, without exclusion:
- Young professionals
- Architects and designers
- Tradespeople and craftspeople
- Historians and researchers
- Developers and real estate professionals
- Artists and creatives
- Neighborhood advocates
- Students
- Community leaders
- Curious Kansas Citians