Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues,

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about why the work I do in historic preservation matters today. Certainly, I'm not on the front lines of the pandemic fight. However, it's clear that the power of community, mental well-being, and the convalescent benefit of the historic places we’ve long fought for and continue to protect shouldn’t be underestimated. Just think about the places to which you long to return. Maybe it's taking in a game at Fenway or a play at the Opera House. Perhaps it's pasta or an old-school pizza in the North End or a bowl of chowder at the Union Oyster House. Or, like me, maybe it's wandering places like the Back Bay or Fort Point just taking in the mixture of old and new and letting the serendipity of an old city guide you.

Historic places are restorative, socially powerful and also economic engines. The economic leverage of historic preservation to communities large and small cannot be ignored to help the nation heal financially. The Boston Globe recently summarized it well:

People visit Boston for the history preserved and enlivened by its institutions, for the city’s wealth of art and music, but just as much for its vibrant, urbane neighborhoods and streets. One relies on the other: A reason to come is a reason to eat, shop, mingle, or stay. It’s a complex ecosystem, often driven by culture.

I am thus certain that even today ... maybe even particularly today ... this work matters. It matters for me, for you, and for the residents, businesses, and eventual returning visitors to Boston. But in order to continue, I need your help. For the Boston Preservation Alliance to remain a strong and impactful advocate for the places that matter, we need to weather this storm. Our staff continues to be active, and thankfully enter this challenge from a strong 2019. (Read about it in our Annual Report, "Together we Make Boston Better.”)

We have much going on this month, since May is Preservation Month across the country. Here are some suggested activities to help weather this Covid storm.

I know that there are many demands financially in this unique time, and many worthy causes, but I’d be most appreciative if you could contribute to this Preservation Month Campaign, even at a modest amount. Every little bit helps us continue to work together to make Boston better.

- Greg

For over 40 years the Boston Preservation Alliance has served the residents of Boston as a nonprofit organization that protects and improves the quality of Boston's architectural and cultural heritage. Through advocacy and education, we bring people and organizations together to influence the future of Boston's historic buildings, landscapes, and communities.

Without our members, donors, and community partners, the voice of the Alliance would fall silent–a growing membership makes our voice stronger because together we make Boston better. 

Check out the projects we're currently engaged in and thank you for your continued consideration and support.