Your Impact

The joy of volunteering is to make a meaningful impact toward resolving a serious issue.

When you join Adventures in Preservation, learning & using skills to save the world’s valuable architectural heritage, you will make positive impacts in ways you may not have imagined.

Pride in Community

It has long been understood that saving a community’s most cherished historic buildings brings pride and a sense identity to residents, increasing social stability and decreasing unrest. Historic buildings are a physical embodiment of the area’s history and culture. Once community members see that their heritage is valued by people from around the world, they feel seen and empowered.

In Gyumri, Armenia, five American women inspired the community simply by sanding and varnishing balcony posts. The women worked at the historic museum housing art of the community’s most beloved sisters. Residents saw the five walking to work, knew they spent their own money to come, and wondered why they were there. The community began to rethink how they could approach their own problems, and new programs were developed locally.

Sustainable Economic Growth

AiP quickly discovered that a community’s architectural heritage is often the only resource available to build a sustainable economy. Whether in the US or abroad, well-managed heritage tourism can provide the key to improving the standard of living for community members. Once historic buildings are destroyed, this path to revitalization is lost.

Gjirokastra, Albania has struggled to save its remarkable architecture, most dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Life within the city’s World Heritage Site can be difficult, and city officials have developed a number of programs to support the restoration of their unique architecture. AiP jammers are among a number of international volunteers who joined the effort, successfully boosting the local economy through substantial increases in heritage tourism.

Climate Action

Have you heard about the compelling connection between building conservation and mitigating climate change? With the support of our jammers – ages 18 to 85! – we are able to keep valuable cultural heritage in use and out of the landfill. Reusing an existing building can actually help an entire community reduce its carbon footprint.

THE GLASSHOUSE PROJECT

One of AiP’s most successful projects took place at the Burgie 1912 glasshouse in Scotland. The greenhouse was restored to support the ongoing development of an 80-acre arboretum. Research is underway to see which trees will thrive in northern Scotland’s changing climate. Each summer, seedlings grown in the glasshouse are planted in the arboretum. Thanks to 33 incredible AiP Jammers from the US, Canada and Australia, the project – cleaning, repainting and reglazing – was completed in just 6 weeks!

Life-Long Friends

You’ll make amazing life-long friends both in the community and among your fellow jammers!

Volunteers’ Reviews

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

“It was a fantastic trip to Fairfield! Everyone on the team was so awesome… Dave and Thane are the best, most knowledgeable, easy-going teachers we could possibly ask for. This trip was everything I'd hoped for and more! I'm already telling everyone I know about it. I can't wait until my next AiP adventure!!”
—Natalie, Fairfield Plantation, Virginia USA

“Perfect combination of adventure, travel, architecture, history and learning a trade from an expert. A great hands-on opportunity.” 
—Melissa, Dunans Castle, Scotland

“My trip to Armenia was the most unique thing I’ve ever done. It gave me a new perspective on the world. Gyumri is a cultural and historic gem and desperately needs to be preserved. The people I've met are as passionate about their community as they are generous and kind. I am so grateful Adventures in Preservation has seen the opportunities in Gyumri. I would go again in a heartbeat.” 
—Lisa, Documentation of Historic Houses, Gyumri, Armenia

“AiP is an amazing concept...let's hope it becomes a household name and a favorite of young adventurers everywhere in the world.”
—Ilir, Kikino House, Gjirokastra, Albania

“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, Burgie Glass House, Scotland

“We had a fantastic experience at Bannack! The Bannack State Park staff were very welcoming and supportive of the project. I hope to be able to participate in future AiP projects and am actually presenting about my trip to my colleagues next week, when I will encourage them to consider going on an AiP trip(s).”
—Caroline, Bannack Ghostown, Montana

“I’m so glad AiP exists. I haven’t just learned something new in an amazing environment, but I’ve gained new friends.”
—Marshall, Dunans Castle, Scotland

“I was handed my diploma and walked off with a newly minted Masters graduate… having no idea what I was supposed to do next. The short time I 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.”
—Rebekah, Scotland

“Our technical advisor, Eland Stuart, was amazing. He provided a lot of one-on-one tutoring and didn't seem fazed in the least that he was working with a bunch of serious amateurs.”

—Dunans Castle & Bridge, Scotland

“As I began to work hands on, I became really excited. I began to see the potential for the house. We learned how to restore the original windows, how to tuck-point bricks, and how to lay the herringbone sidewalk. I never realized my potential! I am so thankful to AiP for opening my eyes to historic preservation, and giving me the most extraordinary opportunity of a lifetime. It was an incredible journey that has helped me learn and grow as a person.”

—Samantha, Sommer House, Missouri USA

“The Gyumri project meant a lot to me. I met a wonderful group of people and learnt from everybody! I am thankful for this opportunity to serve my Armenia and play a role in restoration of the Aslamazyan gallery!!!”

—Lana, Aslamazyan Gallery, Gyumri, Armenia

“It was a beautiful experience I will never forget. Sharing the space with the host family and working with the local builders allowed me to know the best side of Kosovo and its culture.”

—Maria, Kulla Mazrekaj, Kosovo