Our Mission

Established in 1966, Utah Heritage Foundation — now Preservation Utah — was the first statewide historic preservation organization in the western United States. Preservation Utah's mission is to keep the past alive, not only for preservation, but to inspire and provoke a more creative present and sustainable future. We preserve, promote and protect Utah's historic built environment through public awareness, advocacy and active preservation.

Public Awareness

Special Events

Preservation Utah hosts a number of annual events including the Historic Homes Tour, Heritage Awards Ceremony, Community Preservation Trainings (new in 2018!), Rehab It Right! Workshops, various public tours, Thirst Fhursday Pub Crawls, free Summer Tours, Donut Dash, and Discovery Day.

View our calendar of events. our calendar of events.

Education Programs

Our heritage education program teaches students about Utah 's history and its historic resources. Students participate in planned activities, instruction, and discussion through tours of significant historic sites including the Kearns (Utah Governor's) Mansion and the Salt Lake City and County building. Teacher's guides that feature pre- and post-tour lessons for these two buildings and most recently, historic buildings in Washington County, are available to teachers free of charge.

Learn about our programs for teachers and students.

Volunteer Opportunities

Preservation Utah volunteers lead guided historic home tours, present education programs to students, lead public and school tours through historic landmarks such as the Salt Lake City & County Building and the Kearns (Utah Governor's) Mansion, or participate on committees or the Volunteer Guild Board.

Learn how to become a volunteer.

Advocacy

Preservation Utah advocates preservation-oriented public policies by drafting legislation, testifying before legislative committees, and lobbying for the passage of bills that preserve Utah's historic resources.

Among Preservation Utah's most significant advocacy successes are the passage of bills establishing the Utah Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which allows a 20% reinvestment tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic residential properties, and the Utah Main Street Program, which promotes economic development through the revitalization of historic downtowns.

Find out how you can be an advocate in your community.

Active Preservation

Low-interest Revolving Loan Fund

Rehab your historic home with a low-interest loan from Preservation Utah's Revolving Fund Loan Program. Preservation Utah administers the loan program to renew and stabilize neighborhoods by upgrading older existing homes. Property owners can receive loans for exterior and interior work.

Find out if your rehab project will qualify.

Technical Assistance

We respond to calls from citizens who need advice on saving endangered properties, conducting local preservation programs, passing local preservation ordinances, and integrating preservation into local planning.

Stewardship

Preservation Utah is the steward of historic Memorial House in Salt Lake City's Memory Grove Park. Preservation Utah rehabilitated Memorial House after it stood vacant for ten years and the building is now used as an event space. Our continued maintenance and operation of this landmark as an event venue ensures its use and enjoyment by the public.

Learn how to host your event at Memorial House.

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