FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 13, 2012) — The small town of Princeton is gearing up to host visitors from all across the state for the 2012 Kentucky Historic Preservation Conference, Sept. 20-22. It is the first time the biennial conference has taken place away from a major metropolitan area, and is being presented in partnership with Dawson Springs, Eddyville and Kuttawa.
The conference is open to anyone interested in historic preservation, learning about all aspects of how to rehabilitate historic buildings and list them in the National Register of Historic Places, take advantage of rehabilitation tax credits and other incentives and view hands-on demonstrations through a Practical Preservation Showcase.
Participants will learn how preservation can spur community revitalization and anchor local economic development, and has done so successfully in communities throughout the state. 
Presentations will focus on strategies such as finding new uses for vacant historic buildings, leveraging regional strategies for Main Street, government and other programs that assist community development, rural preservation, grant writing and effective nonprofit management, revolving funds, local ordinances, preservation easements, sustainable or “green” building, and how to educate local leaders and others about the benefits of preservation.
Other highlights will be regional tours to Dawson Springs, Eddyville and Kuttawa; an opening reception highlighting Princeton’s historic downtown and local businesses; and extended tracks on cemetery preservation, the Civil War, and – for real estate professionals – how to successfully market and sell historic properties.
“We welcome everyone to experience to the fullest our wonderful corner of Western Kentucky,” said Princeton Mayor Gale Cherry. “We are so proud to be able to showcase Princeton’s rich history, beautiful downtown and diverse and enthusiastic community members who have worked together in perfect harmony to make this conference a unique, fun and educational experience for all.”
Professional development training credits are available through the Kentucky Department for Local Government, Kentucky League of Cities, Kentucky Real Estate Commission, Kentucky Chapter of the American Planning Association, Central Kentucky Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Kentucky Main Street Program.
For program information and registration, visit www.kypreservationconference.org.
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