2026 Conference Agenda

View a PDF version of the printed 2026 Conference Program.

Tuesday, September 29

Early Access Workshops
Registration Desks will be open at each Early Access Workshop location for attendees to pick up their conference badge and other materials.

Section 106 Training
9 a.m. – Noon
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers
Pre-registration required.

Learn about the Section 106/Environmental Review process from Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) staff. Participants will also review resources contained in the Indiana State Historic Architectural & Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) and the Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries (IHBBC) Map. Speakers: Caitlin Lehman, Team Leader for Historic Structures, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology; Beth McCord, Director, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology; and Holly Tate, Architectural Historian, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology

Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP)
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Johnson County Museum of History, Auditorium
Pre-registration required; lunch included with registration

Discover best practices and how to increase the effectiveness of local preservation commissions. The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions stages CAMP with a faculty of skilled preservation professionals. Topics include three foundational topics and three additional topics that every commissioner and staff need to know, with the opportunity to meet and interact with other commissions. Speakers: Sharon Bradley, Abbey Christman, and Savannah Darr, CAMP Trainers

Participation in this session qualifies for continuing education credit for Certified Local Government (CLG) communities.

Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Johnson County Public Library – Franklin Branch, Community Room
Pre-registration required; lunch included with registration

Explore how Main Street communities can foster supportive entrepreneurial ecosystems in traditional downtown areas. Through facilitated discussion and real-world examples, participants identify common barriers to starting and growing businesses and learn practical strategies to overcome them. The workshop highlights strategies to strengthen local policies, expand outreach to underrepresented entrepreneurs, and create more supportive business environments. Moderator: Stephanie Richard, Southwest Field Office Director, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Maggie Gillespie, Manager of Innovation, Main Street America; and Gustavo Ustariz, Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Support, Main Street America

Sponsored by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

Historic Preservation Law Workshop
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers
Pre-registration required

Learn about current and emerging issues in historic preservation law. Topics include recent and forthcoming changes to Section 106 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), new state laws affecting historic preservation, and a discussion of Constitutional law, including takings, due process, and the First Amendment. The speaker will review recent cases litigated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in connection with each topic. Moderator: Chad Slider, Assistant Director for Environmental Review, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology Speaker: Chris Cody, Associate General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Conference Meet-Up: A Taste of Franklin
5 – 7 p.m.
RFD Franklin Event Center

The Registration Desk will be open in the entryway of RFD Franklin Event Center during the Conference Meet-Up for attendees to pick up their conference badge and other materials.

Reconnect and network at RFD Franklin Event Center, a rehabilitated post office in downtown Franklin. The c.1936 post office also served as Franklin’s City Hall but stood vacant for ten years following the 2008 flood. While mingling, attendees can enjoy samplings from multiple Franklin restaurants and a cash bar.

Bingo Night
7 – 9 p.m.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Join Franklin Heritage, Inc. for their monthly Bingo Night at The Historic Artcraft Theatre! Your $20 admission ticket includes a six-face card, ten games, plus at least one bonus game. Tickets can only be purchased in person with cash or debit card. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. First game begins at 7 p.m.

 

Wednesday, September 30

Conference Registration
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Garment Factory, Lobby

Educational Sessions
9 – 10:15 a.m.

Preservation Workforce Development Networking Event
Johnson County Museum of History, Auditorium

Find your fit within the field of preservation. This is an opportunity for students and early career professionals to network with a curated group of professionals. Participants will make enduring connections and explore many aspects of the field, including a variety of roles within public, private, and nonprofit employers. This session is open only to current students, recent graduates, and early career professionals. Please see the Registration Desk with any questions. Moderator: Stephanie Ertel, Director of Education and Engagement, Crown Hill Foundation

Recent Canal Archaeology in Indiana
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers

Recent archaeological research is transforming interpretations of Indiana’s historic canal landscapes, particularly the Wabash & Erie Canal. This session features recent studies illuminating the canal’s engineering, use, and lived environments. Speakers will emphasize archaeological surveys and excavations at canal-adjacent domestic and commercial sites, revealing canals as dynamic cultural landscapes shaped by immigrant labor, industrial technology, and daily life. Through the integration of emerging data and analytical techniques, the session demonstrates how modern canal archaeology is advancing understandings of infrastructure, community dynamics, and landscape change in Indiana. Moderator: Blake Swihart, Northwest Field Office Director, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: James Heimlich, Founder, Heimlich Consulting; and Chris Moore, Department of Anthropology, University of Indianapolis

Curtain Call for the Past, Opening Night for the Future
Garment Factory, Lounge

Historic theaters are complex, living buildings that must serve artists, audiences, and their communities while honoring the past. This session examines preservation-forward master planning at two iconic Indianapolis venues: Hilbert Circle Theatre and the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Through complementary case studies, participants will explore how differing goals shape distinct strategies, from outward-focused audience engagement and acoustics to inward improvements in production spaces, demonstrating how thoughtful preservation balances restoration and adaptation to sustain vibrant, relevant theaters. Moderator: Ashley Thomas, Tax Credit and CLG Manager, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology Speakers: Joseph Jarzen, Client Liaison, Schmidt Associates; Stephanie Hays-Mussoni, Vice President of Development, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; and Suzanne Sweeney, Managing Director, Indiana Repertory Theatre

This session qualifies for 1.0 AIA credit hour.

From Vision to Vitality: Funding, Building, and Marketing Places that Matter
Garment Factory, Province Room

Transformative community projects require more than great ideas. This session explores practical strategies to help community-driven visions become reality and generate lasting impact. Real-world examples illustrate how to position projects for success, stack funding sources,and leverage strategic partnerships.Indiana Tourism Association research and further case studies highlight tourism and marketing strategies that help attract visitors and offer actionable tools for promoting places through effective storytelling, media outreach, compelling visuals, and emerging technologies. Moderator: Megan Zarazee, Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Speakers: Janice Barniak, Executive Director, Vincennes/Knox County Tourism; and Alex Downard, President
& CEO, Community Foundation of Wabash County

Educational Sessions
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

What Lies Beneath: Archaeological Heritage Tourism in Indiana
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers

Archaeological sites are an often-overlooked aspect of historic preservation and heritage tourism. Without archaeological preservation and interpretation,histories pre-dating the oldest existing historic structures are largely invisible.This session explores archaeological sites in Indiana that have been successfully preserved, protected, and developed for interpretation, along with the potential they have in heritage tourism for Indiana. Speakers will also cover the partnerships and strategies employed in these efforts, and the various interpretive technologies and tools that allow visitors to explore and learn. Moderator: Beth McCord, Director,Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology Speakers: J. Colby Bartlett, Director,Ouiatenon Preserve; Christy Brocken, Historic Resource Manager, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation; and Mike Lindermann, Western Regional Director,Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

Holy Hoosier Heritage: Identifying, Mapping, and Experimentally Testing Historic Churches in Indiana
Garment Factory, Lounge

Stewardship of historic sacred places is essential to preserving community identity, yet aging buildings, limited funding, climate impacts, and declining congregations pose growing challenges.This session highlights a multi-phase initiative led by the University of Notre Dame and the University of Auckland,in partnership with Sacred Places Indiana, to map historic sites, develop practical maintenance guidance, and test strategies for stabilizing severely deteriorated churches. Moderator: Todd Zeiger, Interim Vice President of Preservation Services &Heritage Trades, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Stephen Hartley, Associate Professor, School of Architecture,University of Notre Dame; Morgan Palmer, Graduate Student, University of Notre Dame; and Kevin Walsh, Associate Teaching Professor and Director, Master of Engineering Program, University of Notre Dame

This session qualifies for 1.0 AIA credit hours

Do No Harm: Crafting a Preservation Program for Beginners
Garment Factory, Province Room

When community activists, Main Streets, and other civic organizations encounter preservation regulations, policies and procedures that seem standard in the preservation world can be incorrectly viewed as antithetical to community development. This session offers the “why” behind preservation policies and standards and explores resources preservationists can use to support the growing social networks of the preservation movement. Participants will leave with strategies to implement positive preservation programming and messaging in their communities.This session is designed for Main Street groups, students, and new preservationists. Moderator: Deb Parcell, Northern Regional Office Associate Director, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Glenn Faris, Main Street Program Manager/ODAN Specialist, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; and Gerry White, Northwest Senior Community Liaison and Team Lead, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

This session qualifies for 1.5 Realtor credit hours

Welcome Lunch & Plenary
Franklin: From Swampy Settlement to Downtown Destination
Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Garment Factory, Franklin Room

Our conference headquarters began in the 1920s as the Varynit Mills Garment Factory that later made clothing for the US military and even the basketball uniforms in Hoosiers. Now an event center in downtown Franklin, enjoy lunch as you reconnect with friends, catch up with colleagues, and build new professional connections.

After a welcome by Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett and Festival Country Executive Director Kenneth Kosky, join Franklin historians Glenn Faris and David Pfeiffer as they share the story of Franklin from a swampy settlement to a twenty-first century downtown destination. Rob Shilts and Krista Linke next introduce the story and reactivation of The Historic Artcraft Theatre, which attendees will have the opportunity to experience during the conference.

Moderator: Meg Galasso, Associate Librarian for History, Jewish Studies, and Religious Studies, Indiana University, and Chair, Indiana University Committee on Historic Preservation

Speakers: The Honorable Steve Barnett; Mayor of Franklin; Kenneth Kosky, Executive Director, Festival Country Indiana; Glenn Faris, Main Street Program Manager/ODAN Specialist, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; David Pfeiffer, Executive Director, Johnson County Museum of History; Rob Shilts, Executive Director, Franklin Heritage, Inc.; and Krista Linke, Community Development Director, City of Franklin

Educational Sessions
2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

Engaging Communities in Archaeology: Innovative Paths to Participation
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers

How do we open the door to meaningful public participation in archaeology, and what happens when we do? This session explores innovative, community  centered approaches to making archaeology accessible and meaningful for all. Presenters will share insights from Indyology, a hands-on youth and public engagement program developed during the Greenlawn Cemetery excavation. The Archaeological Research Institute will share strategies for building authentic public connections, using tools to create welcoming, empowering experiences. Together, these case studies offer practical, scalable methods for fostering participation, stewardship, and longterm investment in Indiana’s cultural heritage. Moderator: Amy Johnson, State Archaeologist, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology Speakers: Jordan Ryan, City-County Archivist, City of Indianapolis; Louis Herzner, Archaeology Coordinator and Director of VALOR, Archaeological Research Institute; and Rachel Sharkey, Director of Public Archaeology, Archaeological Research Institute

Commemoration and Reinvention: Preservation & Inclusive Storytelling in Post-Industrial Communities
Garment Factory, Lounge

The process of reimagining former industrial sites frequently excludes the stories of how industry workers, surrounding communities, and broader economic dynamics contributed to their significance. This session explores approaches to infuse public history into preservation efforts, developing commemorative landscapes that strive to tell the stories of typically unheard voices, using case studies from Chicago’s Packingtown Museum, the Calumet Heritage Area, and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Moderator: Holly Tate, Architectural Historian, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology Speakers: Carolee Kokola, Director of Enterprise Operations, Bubbly Dynamics, LLC; Martin Minner, Senior Historian, Dimension History, LLC; and Gwen Stricker, Preservationist, Nurture Architects

The Façade Effect: Preservation, Revitalization, and Downtown Vitality
Garment Factory, Province Room

Since 2011, Franklin has completed more than 110 historic downtown façade restorations through a highly collaborative, hands-on approach. This session explores how building owners, business owners, and local contractors work together to achieve high-quality outcomes. Presenters will highlight the coordinated efforts of local organizations to ensure compliance with design guidelines while advancing preservation goals and strengthening the character and economic vitality of the downtown district. Moderator: Sam Burgess, Central Regional Office Director, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Danny Causey, Executive Director, Discover Downtown Franklin; Krista Linke, Community Development Director, City of Franklin; and Rob Shilts, Executive Director, Franklin Heritage, Inc.

This session qualifies for 1.0 AIA and 1.5 Realtor credit hours.

Educational Sessions
3:45 – 5 p.m.

Supporting the Mission Through People: Volunteer Management Strategies for Museums and Historic Sites
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers

Volunteers are essential to the success of museums and historic sites, yet recruiting, engaging, and retaining them remains an ongoing challenge. This session explores scalable, practical, and mission-driven strategies organizations can use to build sustainable and inclusive volunteer programs. Drawing on real-world examples, participants will examine factors that influence volunteer satisfaction, learn low-cost methods for recognition and communication, and explore ways to evaluate volunteer program effectiveness to foster long-term engagement. Moderator: Mary Scharnberg, Vice President of Programs, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Stephanie Ertel, Director of Education and Engagement, Crown Hill Foundation; and Kristin Kraemer, Manager of Volunteer Services, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

SHAARD Updates and Best Practices
Garment Factory, Lounge

Earlier this year, DHPA staff released SHAARD 2.0, an updated version of the State’s Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database, along with a new version of the companion Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries GIS map. DHPA staff will highlight recent improvements, showcase new features and functionality, and provide tips and best practices for utilizing these resources for structural and archaeological environmental review projects and historic research. Archaeology staff will also walk through the process of the new portal for archaeology users and provide instruction on how to submit archaeology sites and reports directly to SHAARD. Moderator: Danielle Kauffmann, Director of Engagement, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology Speakers: Caitlin Lehman, Team Leader for Historic Structures, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology; Beth McCord, Director, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology

The Hidden Trade-Off: Short-Term Rentals, Downtown Momentum, and Historic District Health
Garment Factory, Province Room

Short-term rentals are rarely a simple preservation issue. In many historic downtowns, they bring reinvestment, visibility, and new life—while quietly introducing instability, stewardship gaps, and operational strain. This session reframes the conversation as a momentum tradeoff rather than a yes/no policy debate, drawing from real downtown and Main Street examples and using a practical lens to evaluate when it supports preservation goals versus undermining historic district health. Attendees will explore how concentration affects ownership patterns, volunteer capacity, neighborhood function, and how to structure clearer, less polarized conversations. This session is designed for preservationists and downtown leaders navigating pressure to “allow everything” without losing what makes historic districts durable. Moderator: Laura Renwick, Southern Regional Office Associate Director, Indiana Landmarks Speaker: Erik Reader, President, Reader Area Development, Inc.

This session qualifies for 1.25 APA & 1.5 Realtor credit hours.

Open House
5: – 7 p.m.
Madison Street Salvage

Following a devastating flood in 2008, Franklin Heritage, Inc. stepped in to salvage reusable materials, offering much needed materials for historic property owners. Visit the salvage shop whose income supports FHI’s preservation work and The Historic Artcraft Theatre. While exploring the space, enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar.

Sponsored by Architectural Revivalist, Inc.

Midweek Music Series
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Show begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Enjoy this installment of The Historic Artcraft Theatre’s Midweek Music Series, Singles (1992). Films in this series feature outstanding musical performances, artist documentaries, biopics, or soundtracks. Singles (1992) is a Cameron Crowe film focusing on a group of young Seattle adults around a budding local music scene about to explode globally. It features Bridget Fonda and Matt Dillon, along with live club performances. The fun “slice of life rom-com” also has a musical soundtrack often noted as one of the best among 1990s films.

Admission is free with your conference badge. Concessions (soda, popcorn, candy) are available for purchase.

 

Thursday, October 1

Conference Registration
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Garment Factory, Lobby

Educational Sessions
9 – 10:15 a.m.

Beck’s Mill: Reimagining the Past in the Present
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers

When Salem’s Beck’s Mill was built, its core purpose was economical; yet it also served as a meeting place for neighboring farmers to trade knowledge and exchange news. Today the mill functions as a museum providing a window into the past and as a tourist attraction, research site and event venue. Over the past five years, Indiana University has partnered with the Friends of Beck’s Mill through its Sustaining Hoosier Communities program, where documentary students created short films at and about Beck’s Mill. Learn about this collaboration, its goals, processes, outcomes, and benefits and how these videos illustrate how to preserve, teach, and reenvision historic places. Moderator: Susanne Schwibs, Senior Lecturer, Indiana University Media School Speakers: Remas Alanazi, Graduate Student, Indiana University; Lee Durham, Graduate Student, Indiana University; and Judy Quinlin, Event Coordinator, Friends of Beck’s Mill

Wiicimiihkimomaataawi! ‘Let’s work together!’
Collaborating with Tribes in Heritage Tourism
Garment Factory, Franklin Room

This session explores how the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and Strawtown Koteewi Park have partnered to develop heritage tourism initiatives rooted in respect, reciprocity, and tribal sovereignty, examining how organizations can work with federally recognized tribes to develop culturally appropriate and respectful programs that honor Indigenous histories, traditions, and shared connections to place. Learn what goes into relationship building, and how meaningful partnerships lead to successful work navigating sensitive cultural content and creating beneficial experiences. The conversation around relationship building addresses Strawtown Koteewi Park’s harmful past and the work it has taken to build a collaborative future. This session emphasizes listening, accountability, and mutual respect as foundational principles for successful and responsible heritage tourism. Moderator: Alex Brooks, Central Regional Office Community Preservation Specialist, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Christy Brocken, Historic Resource Manager, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation; Morgan Lippert, Curator of Exhibitions and Programming, Myaamia Heritage Museum and Archives; and Logan York, THPO, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Leveraging Diverse Resources for Main Street Revitalization in New Castle
Garment Factory, Province Room

Discover how New Castle leveraged diverse resources to achieve their designation as the 2023 PreservINg Main Street Community, resulting in a $2 million investment from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs into the New Castle Commercial Historic District. From an initial partnership to spark enthusiasm in the community through the lengthy design process, and finally construction, this project required close communication and collaboration between the City of New Castle, New Castle Main Street, building owners, design team, and contractors. Participants will hear from those directly involved in the project and learn strategies and opportunities to implement revitalization in their communities. Moderator: Tereasa Camin, Indiana Main Street Senior Program Manager, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs Speakers: JP Hall, Director, Center for Historic Preservation, Ball State University; Emily Hurst, Executive Director, New Castle Main Street, Inc.; and Laurel Tobin, Senior Preservationist & Designer, Architectural Revivalist, Inc.

This session qualifies for 1.25 APA & 1.5 Realtor credit hours.

Plenary
Valuing Vision: Enhancing the Presence of the Past
10:45 a.m. – Noon
The Historic Artcraft Theatre

American historic preservation is often viewed as being like a fly caught in amber, constrained by past practices, policies, and the perception that all change is inherently bad; a moribund movement encapsulated by nostalgia. As the modern movement approaches its centenary in 2035, there is value in revisiting how the endeavor was established and how it has evolved over the last nine decades. This session outlines the course of American historic preservation with an emphasis on individuals whose vision, creativity, and perseverance helped to craft the criteria that have saved diverse spaces and enhanced the presence of the past. Moderator: Rebecca Shrum, Associate Professor of History, Adjunct Associate Professor of Museum Studies, Director of Public History Program, Indiana University Indianapolis Speaker: John H. Sprinkle, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Adjunct Professor, School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, University of Maryland

Session sponsored by the Cornelius O’Brien Lecture Series Concerning Historic Preservation. Free and open to the public.

Lunch On Your Own
Noon – 2 p.m.

Educational Sessions
2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

The Digital Shift: Updates to National Register Nominations
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers

As the National Register of Historic Places transitions to fully digital submissions, this session introduces key updates to the nomination process and its integration with accessibility standards. Staff from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology (DHPA) will outline the state’s move to a digital portal, including how to prepare and package forms, photographs, maps, and supporting materials for DHPA review. Speakers will also share common nomination challenges, along with important program updates and guidance. While open to all, this session is especially valuable for professionals who prepare National Register nominations. Moderator: Noah Nobbe, Western Regional Office Community Preservation Specialist, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Paul Diebold, Assistant Director of Preservation Services, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology; Holly Tate, Architectural Historian, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology; and Jamie Reeder, Preservation Specialist, Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology

Indiana Main Street 2026: Strengthening the Ecosystem Together
Garment Factory, Franklin Room

Presenters will deliver a fast-paced look back at 2026 and an exciting launch in 2027 as we roll forward with the momentum of the new Indiana Main Street strategic plan and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ strategic plan. This lively session invites Main Street leaders to share real-time insights, amplify community needs, and help shape the next wave of support across Indiana. Together, attendees will spark new ideas, strengthen connections, and accelerate the impact of every Main Street’s journey. Moderator: Jackie Swihart, Director of Network Capacity, Main Street America Speakers: Tereasa Camin, Indiana Main Street Senior Program Manager, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; Megan Zarazee, Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; and Jackie Swihart, Director of Network Capacity, Main Street America

This session is recommended for Main Street leaders and volunteers who are active in Main Street activities.

The Rise and Fall of the Mid-Century Branch Bank in Indiana
Garment Factory, Province Room

Indiana has made strides in preserving Mid-Century Modern homes and churches, yet another vulnerable type remains: the small branch bank. Impacted by consolidation and online banking, many stand vacant and at risk. This session examines distinctive examples of these buildings and explores how their design and locations can support creative reuse, transforming underutilized structures into community assets through thoughtful planning and preservation strategies. Moderator: Thomas Kauffmann, Director of History, Crown Hill Foundation Speakers: James DeGrazia, Engineer, AccuBurn, Inc.; and Kyle Kingen, Art and Design Historian

This session qualifies for 1.5 Realtor credit hours.

Educational Sessions
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Stewarding Rural Heritage: An Overview and Case Study
Franklin City Hall, Council Chambers

Rural areas represent deep roots and an integral piece of Hoosier heritage. These properties also present preservationists with unique challenges. This session will provide a broad overview of what historic preservation and historic property stewardship can look like in rural areas. After a brief introduction at Franklin City Hall, participants will visit nearby Van Nuys Farm, hosted by a member of the sixth generation to own the property. The Van Nuys Farm consists of a house and eleven outbuildings, dating from circa 1840-1971. With the notable exception of the barn, its early outbuildings remain largely intact. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and has been honored with Indiana Landmarks’ John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation (2011) and the Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award (2025). The Van Nuys Farm is a 10-minute drive from downtown Franklin, just off State Road 144. Session attendees should arrange their own transportation Carpooling encouraged. The property address will be provided to attendees at the first part of the session. Moderator: Tommy Kleckner, Western Regional Office Director, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Duncan Campbell, Board Member, Indiana Barn Foundation; and John Van Nuys, Owner, Van Nuys Farm

Preservation by Design: Making Zoning Work for Historic Places
Garment Factory, Franklin Room

Zoning quietly shapes the future of our historic places, but too often, outdated regulations make preservation harder than it needs to be. When development rules don’t reflect historic patterns or building types, communities are forced to rely on one-off exceptions that rarely deliver lasting solutions. This session explores how zoning can become a powerful tool for preservation rather than a barrier using real examples from Indianapolis’ historic districts. Speakers will share lessons from small-scale new construction and adaptive reuse projects that align zoning with preservation goals. Whether you work in planning, preservation, or community development, this session will show how clear, flexible zoning can protect historic resources while keeping them active, relevant, and economically viable for generations to come. Moderator: Meg Busch, Director of Historic Preservation, Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission Speakers: Emily Jarzen, Principal Architectural Reviewer, Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission; and André Myers, Associate, Tunnell Spangler Walsh

This session qualifies for 1.25 APA & 1.5 Realtor credit hours.

Historic Theaters as Community Anchors: Planning, Partnerships, and Lessons Learned
Garment Factory, Province Room

Lawrenceburg, Indiana, retains a rich stock of historic resources that continue to shape community life. This session examines two theaters at different points on the preservation spectrum: the Walnut Theatre, now entering early rehabilitation after prolonged vacancy, and Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater, recently restored and reactivated as a dynamic community hub. Through these contrasting case studies, presenters explore the practical, economic, and social dimensions of theater reuse, emphasizing inclusive, accessible approaches that strengthen local identity and civic life. Moderator: Mitchell Knigga, Southwest Field Office Director, Indiana Landmarks Speakers: Dan McCabe, Owner, Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater; Molly Miniard, Research Coordinator, Archaeological Research Institute; and Natalie Noppert, Director, BSP Movements, Inc.

This session qualifies for 1.0 AIA credit hour.

Conference Meet-Up: An Evening at the Historic Artcraft Theatre
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Visit Franklin’s Historic Artcraft Theatre for an evening of mingling and appetizers, along with an authentic movie experience. Enjoy guided tours led by Franklin Heritage staff and volunteers.

 

Friday, October 2

Plenary
Balancing Heritage and Modern Use
9 – 10:15 a.m.
Old Main Building at Franklin College, Custer Theatre

Hear a welcome from Franklin College’s president, Kerry Prather, about how Franklin College is preserving its historic Elwood Fitness Center, an early twentieth-century physical education center, while updating it to modern needs to support today’s student-athletes. Next, follow the transformation of a 1914 Indiana schoolhouse into a family home, located just outside Franklin exploring the realities of historic restoration through an active social media presence that documents its design decisions, setbacks, and victories. Following the plenary, pre-registered attendees are invited to experience these sites firsthand. Moderator: Danny Causey, Executive Director, Discover Downtown Franklin Speakers: Kerry Prather, President, Franklin College; and Stacie Grissom, Owner, Schoolhouse Homestead

Tours

Franklin College Tour
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Meet at Old Main Building at Franklin College, Entrance
Pre-registration required

Explore campus through a guided tour provided by Franklin College history students. The tour will share the story of the college’s development and highlight significant landmarks within one of Franklin’s National Register of Historic Places-listed districts.

Downtown Franklin Historic Districts Tour
11 a.m. – Noon
Meet at Johnson County Museum of History, Entrance
Pre-registration required.

Pause to take a closer look at Franklin’s historic downtown on this guided walking tour. Along the way, Franklin guides will point out distinctive architectural details, share local history, and discuss current and past preservation efforts.

Schoolhouse Homestead Tour
11:00 – 11:45 a.m. / 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. / 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Address provided via email to pre-registered attendees.
Pre-registration required.

Parking on site is LIMITED. Entry times are staggered and should be followed as selected in your conference registration. Please be cognizant and courteous to others who wish to visit the property.

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