Our Impact

We are as passionate about saving historic buildings as we are about the many reasons for saving them. With the support of our jammers - spanning ages 20 to 85! - we are able to keep valuable cultural heritage in continued use while reducing the community’s carbon footprint. Read on to learn more about these compelling benefits and about the value of preservation for our world today.

Did you know that reusing an existing building can actually help an entire community reduce its carbon footprint?

A 2011 report from Preservation Green Lab also found that it could take from 10-80 years for a new building to be a net positive on climate change, even using energy efficient technology. These are two of the many reasons we at AiP believe historic preservation is important in building a sustainable future.

Adventures in Preservation has been part of the effort to be kind to our planet since 2001 by saving remarkable historic buildings for integrated community use. Our volunteers re-plaster, repoint, repair and restore architectural heritage in the United States, Kosovo, Albania, Ghana, Italy and more.

Did you know that reusing a building creates more jobs than building a new one?

Study after study has confirmed this and many other economic benefits of historic preservation. In new construction, a project can be broken down into 50% labor and 50% materials. In a typical rehabilitation project, 70% of the total cost is labor. Adaptive reuse projects are especially powerful in generating long-term job opportunities.

Communities throughout the world are eager to work with AiP volunteers to keep their historic buildings in use through the ecologically friendly practice of historic preservation.

Did you know that preserving historic buildings preserves a community’s identity and boosts its earning power?

In a well-received TEDx talk, Urban Land Institute scholar Ed McMahon made the case that in today’s economy, the quality of place matters the most. The more a community enhances its distinctiveness – architectural, cultural, artistic – the more people want to go there, which is the essence of tourism.

Since AiP began working in the World Heritage City of Gjirokastra, Albania, heritage tourism is up, with new restaurants in the bazaar and cosy B&Bs opening in the city’s distinctive tower houses, spurring additional public and private restoration projects.

Did you know historic buildings serve as a record of human creativity and ingenuity?

Vernacular buildings reflect local designs developed over time to address the environment, the landscape, and the economy of using local materials. Polite architecture reflects changes in style, design, and technology over time. Collectively, historic buildings showcase human achievements and remind us of where we’ve been.

AiP volunteers helped the Francis Mill Preservation Society restore the Francis Grist Mill, a charming example of the Carpenter Gothic in rural North Carolina. In just three years, they brought the structure from a state of near collapse to a being fully functioning industrial heritage site that hosts school groups from around the region.

Did you know that once a historic building is gone, it’s gone forever?

You can help our project communities reap all the benefits of historic preservation while you enjoy a great hands-on learning experience. Come join an adventure in preservation and Learn, Explore and Preserve.

Volunteers’ Reviews

What People are Saying about AiP’s Innovative Programming and the Change Powered by Preservation

“Last year, I was handed my diploma and walked off a newly minted Masters graduate… and had no idea what I was supposed to do next. The path that had been so clearly laid out suddenly disappeared and I have the terrifying pleasure of figuring out how to pave a new one.
The short time I have interned with AiP has already given me skills and experiences that I can take forward during my post-university journey. Everyone who volunteers with AiP has a knowledge and passion for heritage that I am excited to be a part of. On top of the career-building, however, is a genuine belief in the work AiP does. I count myself lucky to be a part of it.”
—Rebekah Dalgety-Salem

“The glass house looks amazing. It’s so nice when a project comes together and I am so proud to have played a small part in it!  Thank you Steffi for your guidance and patience as Project Coordinator. May the Burgie Green House stand another 100 years!” 
—Heather Sturgeon, Burgie Greenhouse, Scotland

“I know I won't be able to settle back into my normal routine until I figure out where to travel with AiP next.  It was just great working and laughing with you all.” 
—Diane Koert, Burgie Greenhouse, Scotland

“Our technical advisor, Eland, was amazing. He kept a hand on all the work, and provided a lot of one-on-one tutoring on technique. He didn't seem fazed in the least that he was working with a bunch of serious amateurs, and had his own sort of fearless approach to the bridge challenges that was inspirational.”
—Dunans Castle & Bridge, Scotland

“Gyumri is a cultural and historic gem, each street and each building has stories to tell from decades to centuries ago and it desperately needs to be preserved. The buildings AiP has identified are some of the most beautiful and historically significant to the region. The people I've met here are as passionate about their city and their community as they are generous and kind. I am so grateful Adventures in Preservation has seen the opportunities in Gyumri and have created this volunteer experience. I would go again in a heartbeat.”
—Lisa Harper, Kumayri Historc District, Gyumri, Armenia

“We had a fantastic experience at Bannack! Jeff McDonald and Jeff Cleverly were wonderful, patient instructors and the Bannack State Park staff was very welcoming. I hope to be able to participate in future AiP projects and am actually presenting about my trip to my colleagues next week!”
—Caroline Eller, Bannack ghostown, Montana

“What is truly amazing about AIP is that they bring together people from different areas, backgrounds and skill sets who all share a similar driving interest. We come because we love history and we want to become a part of its rediscovery and preservation. I truly enjoyed the time spent with my fellow “Jammers” and cannot wait to return next year.”
—Dalton Olson, Fairfield Plantation, Virginia

“As I began to work hands on, I became really excited. I began to see the potential for the house and I started taking measurements of the doors and windows, and sketching my ideas. 
We learned how to restore the original windows, we learned how to tuck-point bricks, and my favorite part was putting in the herringbone sidewalk. This was fun because not only did I learn something I never thought I would, but I also was able to do everything that needed to be done. I knew I was handy but I never realized my potential.”
—Samantha Coppola, Cracker House, St. Joseph, Missouri