To View the New Fellows, Click Here: African American Fellows Program Announcement Media Release

African American historic sites are woefully underrepresented in the historic preservation field in programs like the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register. At the same time, studies show only 1% of preservation professionals are African American, and we think that needs to change. 

Preservation Virginia’s African American Fellows (AAF) program supports individuals with an interest in preserving African-American voices and history. Through support from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, we want to offer financial support for you to learn the art and science of preservation. The AAF program will offer a $7,500 stipend to complete the program. Participants will learn the process of preservation, make valuable connections in the industry, and have a chance to conduct research in their area of interest. 

The goal of AAF is to welcome more historically underrepresented professionals into the field of historic preservation by:

• Identifying, supporting and providing opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, emerging professionals in preservation-related fields, African American scholars, creatives and experts in historic, social justice and preservation disciplines
• Amplifying and preserving the full Virginia Story through our Voices Remembered Initiative
• Providing greater diversity in the field of preservation with more significant consideration to the African American communities in Virginia
• Providing participants with a pathway to careers in historic preservation related fields.

Through paid fellowships each year, we will provide the fundamentals, experience and mentorship necessary to prepare preservationists for careers, professional opportunities, research and the sheer love of communities unique to you.

Applications have ended for this year and the fellows selected. If you are interested in becoming a fellow, contact Dr. Lisa Winn Bryan at lwinnbryan@preservationvirginia.org and 804-573-9676 for information on next year’s program.