Professional Development Funding

The Department of Historic Preservation is pleased to offer a limited number of Historic Preservation Professional Development Fellowships to attend academic conferences each semester. A list of suggested conferences is below; this is not an exhaustive list. You may apply for any professional conference that is related to your studies.

Students must be in good academic standing to apply and will be responsible for communicating with Professors in advance and making up missed work. Conferences during key semester dates such as the first week of classes, mid-term, or finals should be avoided. 

Applications are rolling. Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first come-first serve basis. Funding will not exceed $1,500 per student in a single academic year.  You must apply at a minimum of two weeks before the scheduled event. Please note, fall conference funding is primarily intended for second-year students; however first-year students may apply as well.

How To Apply for a Historic Preservation Professional Development Fellowship

  1. Meet with you academic advisor to determine if the conference is appropriate for your field of study.
     
  2. Fill out the Historic Preservation Professional Development Fellowship Application which includes:​​​​​​

    •A cover sheet;
    •A brief letter explaining the purpose of the purposed conference and how it relates to your studies and professional interests;
    •A budget to justify the amount requested. Travel, lodging, and registration fees can be included in your budget; meals/per diem expenses should not be included. 
     
  3. Please upload your letter and budget as one PDF labeled with your last name first name to this Penn+Box folder called: HSPV Conference Applications
     
  4. Email Micah Dornfeld when you have uploaded your application.

If Approved For Funding

Historic Preservation Professional Development Fellowships will be distributed in the form of a lump sum to the recipient, travel purchased on your behalf, or Concur reimbursement. The department will determine the best payment process and will coordinate directly with the student.

Funding for the Historic Preservation Professional Development Fellowships is supported by the Dawn and Brian Gonick Architectural Conservation Professional Development Fund and the Albert Binder Travel Fellowship Fund. After attending the conference you will be asked to fill out a short form for the Weitzman Development Office, who are responsible for ongoing relationships with our donors. Additionally we also ask that you take photos and blog about your experience for the HSPV Instagram account.

If you are unable to attend the conference, please let the department know as soon as possible. If you are unable to attend and you have already received your conference funding, you will need to return the award.

Upcoming Preservation Related Conferences

 

Past Conferences

2025

2024

2023