Who We Are
A society born from a profound belief that understanding our past is essential to shaping our future.
From a small circle of historians to a nationally recognized preservation society.
Established by a group of historians, architects, and heritage advocates committed to documenting and preserving the material culture of the American South.
Released our inaugural newsletter, The Preservation Post, reaching over 300 subscribers in its first quarter.
Published our first monograph, Ironwork & Identity, examining ornamental ironwork traditions in New Orleans and Savannah.
Reached a milestone membership of 1,000 individuals across 12 Southern states, establishing regional chapters in Virginia, Georgia, and Louisiana.
Launched our annual lecture series and formalized partnerships with three university archives and two state historic preservation offices.
Launched our Southern Heritage Sites Map project, aggregating and cataloging heritage sites across the region for an interactive public map.
The Southern Historic Preservation Society is dedicated to the scholarly research, documentation, and active preservation of the architectural, cultural, and social heritage of the American South. We strive to foster a deeper public understanding of Southern history through rigorous scholarship, community engagement, and educational programming.
We believe that historic places are irreplaceable repositories of human experience—serving as tangible connections to the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our region and our nation.
We envision an American South where historic places, cultural landscapes, and community traditions are valued, protected, and celebrated as living elements of our shared heritage. Our goal is to be the foremost society for Southern historic preservation—a trusted voice for research, advocacy, and public engagement.
We seek a future in which every community in the South has the knowledge, resources, and inspiration to preserve the places and stories that define its character.
Our efforts span four core pillars—each essential to the broader mission of heritage stewardship.
We document, advocate for, and assist in the preservation of historic structures—from antebellum homes and churches to courthouses, bridges, and vernacular buildings.
Our publications program produces original, peer-reviewed scholarship on topics spanning colonial settlement, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era, and the modern South.
Through lectures, workshops, digital media, and partnerships with schools and universities, we bring Southern history to life for audiences of all ages.
Our Southern Heritage Sites Map project identifies, catalogs, and maps heritage sites across the region — making them visible, searchable, and easier to protect.
We are committed to the highest standards of historical accuracy and academic integrity in all of our work.
We recognize that Southern history encompasses the full diversity of people and experiences that have shaped the region.
We believe that preservation is ultimately a community endeavor—rooted in local knowledge, local pride, and collective action.
Join the Southern Historic Preservation Society and become part of a community dedicated to safeguarding our shared heritage.