preservationist

A preservationist is a person who advocates for preserving items, places, or ecosystems from destruction or inappropriate change. The term is most often used in the context of historic preservation, but it can also apply to environmental, architectural, or cultural resources where stewardship aims to retain authenticity, character, and significance for future generations.

In historic preservation, preservationists work to protect significant buildings, districts, landscapes, or artifacts through documentation, analysis, and advocacy. They may nominate sites to official registers, support restoration or rehabilitation projects, and promote adaptive reuse that preserves historic fabric while meeting contemporary needs. They often collaborate with architects, planners, archaeologists, preservation commissions, and community groups.

Historically, preservationist ideas arose in response to urban renewal and industrialization in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the United Kingdom, organizations such as the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (founded 1877) and the National Trust (founded 1895) promoted protection of older buildings and historic places. In the United States, the movement gained formal policy with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which created the National Register of Historic Places and state historic preservation offices.

The term also extends to ecological and cultural contexts, where preservationists advocate maintaining natural areas, landscapes, or traditions. Debates in practice often center on balancing preservation with safety, accessibility, modernization, and economic development, as well as choices between preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse to meet current needs.