From Preservation Virginia:
Applications for the 2024 class of Fellows are now extended through March 31st! Submit your application using the linked Google Form here.
Preservation Virginia’s African American Fellowship (AAF) program supports individuals with an interest in preserving African American voices and history. Through support from the Mellon Foundation, this year’s cohort is expanding from three participants to five. Fellows will learn the process of preservation, make valuable connections in the industry and conduct research.
African American historic sites are woefully underrepresented in the historic preservation field in programs like the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. At the same time, studies show only 1% of preservation professionals are African American, and we think that needs to change.
The AAF program will offer a $10,000 stipend to 5 fellowships to complete the program. Participants will learn the process of preservation, make valuable connections in the industry and have a chance to conduct research.
The goal of the AAF is to help raise awareness and preserve African American history and historic sites in Virginia through:
Identifying, supporting and providing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, emerging professionals in preservation-related fields, African American scholars, creatives and experts in historic, social justice and preservation disciplines
Amplifying and preserving the full Virginia Story through our Voices Remembered Initiative
Providing greater diversity in the field of preservation with more significant consideration to the African American communities in Virginia
Providing participants with a pathway to careers in historic preservation related fields.
Through paid fellowships each year, we will provide the fundamentals, experience and mentorship necessary to prepare preservationists for careers, professional opportunities, research and the sheer love of communities unique to you.
Learn more about this program by visiting the Preservation Virginia website.
If you have questions about becoming a fellow, contact Dr. Lisa Winn Bryan at lwinnbryan@preservationvirginia.org and 804-648-1889 ext. 316.