Preservation expands the stories that we tell ourselves about who we are. History, in fact, is not just one story. It is a compilation of many vast, rich, multi-layered stories that paint a deeper narrative of how this nation was built. One way of ensuring those stories are preserved for the future is to consider the national monuments and historic sites that broaden our understanding of American history. Currently, less than 20% of historic sites represent everyone – Latinx, Black, Asian-American, Women, LGBTQ – which are the majority of Americans. Unfortunately, our national narratives are dominated by stories of very wealthy white men. Additionally, less than 1% of practitioners in the historic preservation field are Black. Those who preserve the stories own the narrative that future generations learn. In 2070, more than a third of the country will be of a non-white ethnicity. This is why it’s critical to preserve these stories now, so that when the children of this country look around them, the past helps them make sense of their present and gives them hope for what’s possible for them to become in this world.

This is why I strongly believe we must think forward 50 years from now. Cultural differences are to be celebrated – I don’t know any other way to work. In the 2070s, if we do our job right and are as inclusive as possible with our preservation efforts, people will recognize and appreciate the stories and experiences that represent the diversity of this country – because the historic places will be there to demonstrate the possible. The work of preservation is about sharing the stories of who we truly are, where we truly came from as a nation and where we’re all headed together. This is why we must be so intentionally inclusive as possible. It’s critical to the way future Americans see our history as well as our place in the world.