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Launching a Mutual Aid Network for Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Workers
Launching a Mutual Aid Network for Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Workers
We're Coming Together
The past year has brought seismic shifts in the historic preservation community. Across the country, dedicated professionals in historic preservation and cultural resources are facing devastating job losses—from civil servants at all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, contractors and sole proprietors. For others, it means navigating an uncertain landscape where the traditional pathways to meaningful preservation work have fundamentally changed. Many of us are being forced to find entirely new ways to pursue the work that defines us, whether that means pivoting to consulting, seeking roles in adjacent fields, or reimagining how preservation work gets done.
But we don't have to face this alone.
To meet this moment in 2025, we're launching a mutual aid network for historic preservation and cultural resources workers—a community-driven response built on care, solidarity, and collective support. This is our space to share resources, uplift one another, and directly support those hit hardest by funding cuts, job losses, and changing organizational priorities.
Initial Goals and Areas of Focus
Based on the feedback we heard through our initial survey, a meeting was held on July 20, 2025 to introduce and brainstorm next steps on establishing the Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Mutual Aid Network. As a result of this initial feedback, we hope to establish:
One-on-one peer support by connecting individuals needing assistance with personalized support and mutual encouragement
Regular support group meetings providing ongoing community and shared problem-solving during career and programmatic transitions
Resource sharing network for everything from job leads to professional development opportunities
Biweekly email updates with curated job opportunities, resources, and community announcements
Direct financial support for workers facing immediate hardship
This is just the beginning. Join us in building something powerful—a network that doesn't just respond to this immediate crisis, but creates lasting solidarity within our field that cultural resources and historic preservation workers deserve to be valued and supported.
What is a Mutual Aid Network?
What is a Mutual Aid Network?
Mutual aid is the radical act of caring for each other while working to change the world. It’s an approach grounded in “solidarity, not charity,” acknowledging that when basic human needs aren’t met, it’s because of systemic failures, rather than individual fault. -Dean Spade
Existing Related Mutual Aid Networks
Mutual aid networks in Libraries, Archives, and Museums (LAM)
Mutual Aid at Work (resource for starting a Mutual Aid Network in LAM)
Why is this Mutual Aid Network needed?
An initial survey of 130 historic preservation and cultural resources professionals identified:
87% said let's start our own mutual aid network now
43% expect to need support, while 58% are ready to volunteer
97% agree the mutual aid network should provide networking and connection during hardship
90% agree the mutual aid network can support job hunting and unemployment challenges
Responses came from every sector: federal, Tribal, state, and local governments, private contractors, nonprofits, and students
How is a mutual aid network different than other organizational efforts? By supporting each other through mutual aid, we're not just helping individuals survive—we're building a more resilient preservation movement that can ensure that both emerging and experienced professionals can continue preservation work even when traditional funding and institutional support fails.
How can you get involved?
Impacted by job loss, anticipating an upcoming transition, or need other support to navigate this uncertain time? Ask for assistance.
Are you willing to volunteer to support the operation of the mutual aid network, including connecting folks who need assistance, developing resources, or managing our web content? Email us at hist.pres.mutual.aid.network [at] gmail.com.
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