Just months after attracting a half-million-dollar prize, Wabash’s revitalized downtown is preparing to host Indiana’s annual gathering of preservationists, giving history buffs and members of the general public a glimpse behind the scenes of the city’s ongoing revitalization.

Drawn to the city by the award-winning downtown renewal, the April 25-28 state preservation conference will include tours and workshops that showcase historic downtown Wabash buildings—some restored and some in process—including the restored Charley Creek Inn and commercial buildings repurposed as loft apartments. State and national experts will lead educational sessions during the four days, and conference meals will be served in interesting historic locations, including one dinner held on a covered bridge in the nearby town of Roann.

The public is invited to attend the conference. An early bird registration discount applies to registrations received by March 10.

Known as the first electrically lit city in the world, Wabash in 2016 won by popular vote the $500,000 top prize in the national Small Business Revolution contest, created to shine a spotlight on the vital impact that small businesses have on our economy, our communities and our daily lives. A related documentary series featured Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank helping transform six businesses in Wabash. Watch the videos at http://smallbusinessrevolution.org/main-street/season-one/.

One of two conference keynote speakers is Cameron Potts of Deluxe Corp., which sponsored the Small Business Revolution to showcase 100 small businesses as part of its 100th anniversary celebration.

The second conference keynoter is engineer and city planner Charles Marohn, founder of Strong Towns, a nonprofit that advocates for a model of development that allows cities, towns and neighborhoods to grow financially strong and resilient. The author of Thoughts on Building Strong Towns and A World Class Transportation System, Marohn hosts the popular Strong Towns podcast and is active on social media (see @StrongTowns on Twitter).

WHAT:  Preserving Historic Places conference

WHEN: April 25-28

WHERE: Honeywell Center, 275 W. Market St., Wabash, IN

COST: $175 per person for all four day, with a discount for registration by March 10; $100 for students)

REGISTER: bit.ly/PHPWabash2017

WHO: Preserving Historic Places conference is staged by Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA), Indiana Landmarks, and Indiana University with support from INGUARD and Wabash Marketplace.

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Media contacts: Suzanne Stanis, Indiana Landmarks Director of Heritage Education, 317-639-4534 / 800-450-4534, sstanis@indianalandmarks.org Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Director of Special Initiatives, Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, 317-234-1268, jrdinius@dnr.IN.gov

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, reconnects us to our heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. Learn more.