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

“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