Welcome

Welcome to the 2025 Heritage Ohio Annual Conference. This year's Opening Plenary Address will be presented by Erin Barnes, CEO of Main Street America. Erin will discuss The Power and Opportunity of the Main Street Approach. Erin's energizing keynote will address the important ways the Main Street movement carries the ethic of preservation. She'll share stories of impact and excellence from across the network, and from right here in Ohio.

Integrating Modern Mechanical Systems into Your Historic Building

Historic buildings often come complete with historic (a.k.a. antiquated) heating and cooling systems or no systems at all. This session will explore the different types of mechanical systems that are available today and tips and tricks for integrating them sensitively into your historic building. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask (About Main Street or Other Things)

Continue the conversation with our keynote speaker, Erin Barnes. Erin has a diverse background and is now entering her third year, delving deeper into the Main Street world. Join us as we talk with Erin and other Main Street folks from the Ohio Main Street Program. Come with your toughest questions and conversation topics as we explore what makes Main Street tick, from Main Street America to the local community programs that create experiences for each of us.

Ohio Arts Council Programs and Funding Opportunities

Add to your Heritage Ohio conference experience by learning more about the OAC’s many grant programs for organizations and artists. The first part of our session will feature an overview of available funding programs and resources, including operating support grants, project support grants, and grants available through our Artist Programs offices. You’ll learn what each program is, how it works, when you can apply, and how to be successful. When that presentation concludes, we’ll use the rest of our session to answer questions and clarify information discussed. See you there! Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Maximizing Funding Opportunities: Grant Writing and Funding Strategies for Ohio Municipalities in 2026

This session aims to equip municipal leaders, grant writers, and downtown revitalization professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully navigate the grant writing and funding landscape in Ohio leading into 2026. Participants will learn about the latest funding opportunities, effective grant writing techniques, and strategies to secure funding for various municipal projects. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Young Preservation Professionals Panel

This panel session will be led by Abby Marshall who sits on the Heritage Ohio Board as the representative for Young Ohio Preservationists. Joined by a group of young professionals in the Historic Preservation field, Abby will lead a panel discussion with the session speakers about why they chose a career in the historic preservation field, impactful projects they have worked on, challenges they face in the field, and more. Additionally, attendees will learn more about the work the Young Ohio Preservationists does and how to get involved. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Tour: First Ladies National Historic Site

Ticket Required. Take a guided tour of the First Ladies National Historic Site in downtown Canton. The First Ladies National Historic Site (NHS) in Canton was established as a National Park Site in 2000 and is comprised of two buildings: The Saxton House and the Visitor Center, both conveniently located directly across the street from the conference hotel. Approved for 2.25 AIA LU credits, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Preserving Sacrifice: Documenting Ohio’s Revolutionary War Veterans Graves and How You Can Help

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, America250-Ohio—working with the Ohio History Connection, Ohio's State Historic Preservation Office, and Terracon Consultants—launched the Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project. This volunteer-driven initiative seeks to locate, photograph, record inscriptions, and map the final resting places of roughly 7,000 Revoltionary War veterans and patriots laid to rest across Ohio. Attendees will learn about: The origins and goals of this unique effort, including its historical significance for Ohio’s Frontier lands (Virginia and U.S. Military Districts); The tools and your role as a Public Researcher: using the free Survey123 app to capture GPS data, photos, and inscriptions in cemeteries statewide; Best practices for field documentation, including guidance for dealing with weathered, missing, or unmarked stones; How real-time mapping dashboards and live results maps enable coordination and avoid duplication; The archive’s timeline: field data collection through end of 2025; public release by July 4, 2026; and long-term stewardship into the future. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Cornerstone Redefined: How Community-Focused Rehabilitation Anchors Neighborhoods

This session will illustrate how community-driven programs can be good candidates for rehabilitation projects while providing a positive impact on a neighborhood level. Through a series of case studies, participants will learn how to analyze an existing building to recognize potential uses, with a focus on the flexibility of arts, culture, and community spaces. Attendees will develop an understanding of how such projects create a positive impact both on the immediate building as well as the neighborhood through sensitive rehabilitation and spurring surrounding development. Approved for 1.00 AIA HSW credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Exploring Special Improvement Districts (SIDs): A Model for Revitalizing Downtowns and Enhancing Community Development

In this session, we will explore the concept of Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) and how they can be a powerful tool for communities looking to revitalize their downtown areas, improve infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth. Drawing from the experience of our own SID, we will discuss the benefits, and challenges involved in establishing and managing a SID. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how SIDs function, how they can be tailored to fit the unique needs of their communities, and how they can be a larger part of a downtown redevelopment plan. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Huron Main Street: Reviving A Historic Downtown Lakefront

The City of Huron, building on its Vision 2020 comprehensive plan, initiated a study of its historic downtown corridor along Main Street. The goal was to develop a cohesive strategy to revitalize the corridor by enhancing its identity as a lakefront city. City officials and business owners have been actively working to rejuvenate downtown by rehabilitating vacant buildings, revitalizing public spaces, and organizing community events to attract visitors to the area. The Main Street Corridor Study provided a framework to address various issues, including improvements to the streetscape, parking and traffic concerns, the separation of commercial and residential areas, expanded pedestrian and bicycle access, and enhancements to public spaces to create better interactions with the water. This session will outline how the planning study established the foundation for funding and the ongoing implementation of the recommendations to the historic downtown corridor on the lake. Approved for 1.00 AIA HSW credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Vibrant Communities Program

The Vibrant Communities Grant Program recognizes that distressed communities may not have adequate financial resources to develop and implement economic development projects that can attract private investment and create new jobs. The program was established to assist distressed small and medium sized communities with the implementation of catalytic development projects that fulfill a market need and represent a significant reinvestment in areas that have struggled to attract new investment. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Lunch Is On Us — Join the Developers’ Roundtable

We invite you to enjoy a great lunch and even greater discussion at this year’s Developers’ Roundtable. Come ready to share stories, passion, and pathways to the redevelopment of downtowns across Ohio. Together, we’ll explore: • The economic development tools shaping our cities • The critical role of public–private partnerships • The architectural significance of our historic fabric • How vision and strategy come together to overcome today’s marketplace challenges in construction, commercial leasing, and retail. This is your chance to connect with fellow leaders, exchange ideas, and be inspired by the bold work of revitalizing Ohio’s urban cores. Lunch is provided — bring your insights, your questions, and your vision for the future. Approved for 3.00 AIA LU credits, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

How to Successfully Nominate a Property to the National Register of Historic Places

Join Survey and National Register Manager, Abby Marshall, with the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office as she discusses what the National Register of Historic Places program is, what listing means, and how to achieve a successful listing for your property. This session will dive into the National Register of Historic Places process, how to develop historic significance, and how to assess historic integrity. Additionally, the session will outline nuances within unusual properties nominated to the program, how to document these types of historic properties, and how to apply the National Park Service Guidelines for listing to the National Register of Historic Places. Approved for 1.50 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

The Revitalization of Downtown Canton

Two-Part Session: In 2016 the City of Canton adopted a Comprehensive Plan. This plan prioritized Downtown Canton as a location for revitalization; as well as a formula to raise public funds which in turn were utilized toward a catalytic redevelopment project; Centennial Plaza. This project would turn an underutilized block of Downtown Canton into a lively civic space. As a result of the success of Centennial Plaza, the City of Canton has worked with partners to establish the Downtown Canton Partnership that supports downtown revitalization efforts, programming of events, and oversight of the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District and Downtown Canton Landbank. Additionally, support has been provided to anchor institutions including the Historic Canton Palace Theatre, the First Ladies National Historic Site, and a number of private establishments through grant programs, infrastructure development, and collaboration. Lastly, the city has been working to reimagine the public realm in Downtown Canton through a number of initiatives including a branding and wayfinding program, the implementation of projects such as the construction of a public restroom facility, and the programming of events such as First Fridays, the Canton Farmers Market, and Downtown Canton Mural Fest. During this presentation Donn Angus, the Director of Planning, along with Cassie Pearson, will discuss the social and economic factors that impacted Downtown Canton prior to the revitalization efforts, what public and private revitalization efforts have occurred in Downtown Canton since and the use and success of the revitalization programs offered by the City of Canton. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Connecting Town & Gown in Cedarville

Cedarville Village is a community with 4,300 permanent residents located between Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton, Ohio. In recent decades, Cedarville has experienced a decline similar to many smaller, farming-oriented communities in the state. Today, the village has relatively limited business activity, and many residents regularly travel to larger nearby cities, such as Xenia, Dayton, and Springfield, for work, shopping, medical appointments, entertainment, and other daily activities. An exception to this decline is Cedarville University. This private educational institution has steadily grown over the past twenty years and now serves over 4,000 on-campus students and around 800 staff and faculty members. The university campus lies within village limits and occupies much of the northern section of Cedarville. While most students live on campus, many university employees reside outside the village. The presence of this 5,000-person entity within the village boundaries significantly impacts Cedarville. As the university has expanded, there has been an increased need for housing and services for additional students. This growth has also placed strains on village infrastructure, including roads, sewers, and stormwater systems. Consequently, tensions have arisen at times, as the interests of village residents and the institution do not always align. Ideally, the relationship between the university and the village would be seen as mutually beneficial. However, change is often challenging, and university expansion is frequently viewed in terms of its negative consequences rather than its positive impacts. In 2024, Revitalize Cedarville was formed to facilitate and encourage the revitalization of the village. As a key element within the village, it was natural for the university to engage in this process. The goal was to foster a relationship based on open communication, positive municipal development, and mutual benefit. In August 2024, Dr. Stephen Ayers, a board member of Revitalize Cedarville and the Dean of Engineering and Computer Science at Cedarville University, initiated a senior capstone project involving a group of civil engineering students. This project aimed to assist the village in identifying potential improvements to its transportation infrastructure. The objective was to develop concepts for potential traffic enhancements that could increase pedestrian safety, improve walkability, and generally create better public spaces within the village. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the students worked on identifying issues with the current village infrastructure, gathering objective data on system performance, and developing preliminary improvement concepts. Public consultation was an integral part of the process, with the project team regularly gathering feedback from Revitalize Cedarville, Cedarville Village Council, the university, and village residents. An open public feedback session held in March 2025 generated significant community excitement for proposed infrastructure improvements. Several concepts developed by the students are now being further advanced by the village toward full implementation. A follow-on project at the university is also underway, seeking to address areas not covered in the initial project. This panel discussion will outline the project's background, key outcomes from the first year, and plans for ongoing work. Panelists will discuss the project's impact on the village and those who participated directly in the initiative. The students involved have since graduated and are now working as practicing engineers in various states. This project has significantly contributed to their development as engineers and is expected to positively influence their future interactions with communities across the country. The hope is that attendees will recognize the potential for similar collaborations between educational institutions and communities, which can play a strategic role in achieving immediate outcomes and nurturing a new generation of development professionals capable of transforming their communities into great places to live.

USDA Community, Economic, and Housing Programs

The USDA has numerous grants and programs available to assist communities, their economic development projects, and the development of workforce housing. This session will introduce you to these programs and to the staff at Ohio's USDA office. Approved for 1.50 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Historic Theaters Panel Discussion

This panel discussion will focus on the revitalization of historic theaters in smaller Ohio communities, including the St. Marys Theater and Grand Opera House in St. Marys, Shea's Theatre in Ashtabula, and the Fort Recovery Morvilius Opera House in Ft. Recovery. Approved for 1.50 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Downtown Canton Public Art Tour

Ticket Required. Take a tour of the nationally-recognized public art scene in downtown Canton with ArtsinStark executive director Maureen Ater. Approved for 1.50 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Design Charrette: Reimagining Court Street

Two-Part Session: After hearing about the plans for the continued revitalization of downtown Canton, experience first hand the process of undertaking a design charrette to reactivate the historic Court Street corridor. Approved for 2.00 AIA HSW Credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Revolutionizing Business Development with 3D Spatial Scanning: Tools for Recruiting and Retaining Businesses and Developers and Inspiring Investment

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, leveraging cutting-edge technology is key to revitalizing Main Street communities. This session will explore how 3D spatial scanning software is transforming the way Ohio's small towns and downtown districts approach business recruitment, retention, and development. Join us as we demonstrate how 3D virtual tours and geospatial data capture allow for immersive, data-driven storytelling that showcases your district’s properties to prospective businesses in an innovative way. Learn how to use these tools to not only attract potential tenants but also retain existing ones by providing them with valuable, real-time insights into the community's potential for growth and vibrancy. We'll also dive into how geospatial scanning can be instrumental in securing grant funding. Learn how accurate, detailed virtual models and location-specific data can strengthen your grant proposals, inspire philanthropists, and enhance your district’s competitiveness in securing state, federal, and private sector support. Approved for 1.50 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Ohio Land Bank Association: Revitalization Through Housing

Land banks and historic preservation often cross paths in neighborhoods where vacancy, blight, and historic assets collide. This session brings together leaders from land banks and preservation groups to explore how these missions can align. Panelists will share real-world examples of collaboration, including historic rehabilitation projects, demolition considerations, home inspection and repair programs, and creative initiatives to preserve community history. From salvaging materials to landmarking properties, the discussion will highlight both the opportunities and the tensions that come with balancing neighborhood stabilization and historic preservation. Approved for 1.50 AIA HSW credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Hands-On Preservation: How to Protect Your Historic Photos

Learn how to properly protect and preserve your historic photographs and film for generations to come with the professionals of the Ohio Preservation Council.

Design & Maintenance of Public Art in Small Communities

Approved for 1.50 AIA LU credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Special Events: The Why before the What

Before booking bands or booths, Main Street managers must define the why behind each community event. This session explores how understanding purpose—economic impact, community pride, placemaking, or business support—creates more strategic, inclusive, and effective events that strengthen both downtown vitality and stakeholder engagement.

Vendor Reception

Grab a drink and a bite to eat at our evening Vendor Reception. Visit with our vendors and network with fellow professionals from around the state.

Heritage Ohio Annual Awards & Film Festival

Join us as we celebrate the best in Ohio historic preservation & community revitalization.

You Can’t Do It All—So Stop

In small towns, Main Street leaders are often expected to be the strategist, event planner, marketer, grant writer, volunteer wrangler, and community therapist—all at once. But trying to do everything often means nothing gets done well, and burnout becomes inevitable. So how do you decide what’s actually worth your time? This session is for anyone leading a small or mid-sized Main Street program with a small team (or no team at all). Tasha Weaver, Executive Director of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, will share real-world lessons from revitalizing a historic downtown with limited resources but big results. She’ll walk through the choices that made the most difference—from doubling down on storytelling and volunteer appreciation to saying no to projects that looked good on paper but didn’t serve the mission. Expect practical tips, honest reflections, and a fresh lens on what to prioritize, what to pause, and how to stop doing the things that aren’t moving your downtown forward.

Engaging Communities Through History, Community and Storytelling with America 250 in Ohio in 2026

The 250th of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - considered America's birthday will occur on July 4, 2026. Known as the semiquincentennial, Ohio is leaning into this historic milestone is a big way by telling Ohio's place in U.S. history for 250+ years. Throughout the year in 2026, there will be opportunities for communities to align with programs and projects that have the potential to revitalize the community conversation around history and what makes a community proud of its heritage as well as its present and future. Join panelists from America 250-Ohio to explore the themes of history, community, and storytelling. Attendees will be equipped with ideas on how to celebrate with the public, engage audiences, and find their unique place in this celebration.

Getting Your Downtown Retail Ready: Setting the Stage for Private Sector Investment

How do you recruit retailers to your downtown? The reality is that your downtown must show signs of life before retailers and entrepreneurs are willing to invest. This session will share small-scale, practical strategies that downtown leaders can use to create a spark, add vibrancy, and set the stage for private sector investment. Learn how incremental enhancements can signal to retailers that your downtown is worth the investment. In a matter of months, you can begin to create a spark, generate a buzz, and build momentum to show that your downtown is ready for retail!

Life in an Historic House Museum: Welcome to the Hamster Wheel

This session will cover the broad and narrow aspects of working in an historic house museum, walking the fine line of accountability between a university and volunteer board. We will explore the benefits and drawbacks to a small museum while learning to manage all aspects as responsible stewards. The house was occupied by the Hower family for over 100 years before it was deeded to The University of Akron in 1970. In 1973, Hower House was placed on the National Register for Historic Places. The Hower House Museum has operated as an historic house museum since the mid-1980s. Today, Hower House remains one of the finest and best-preserved examples of its style in the country. It is supported by private donations, the Hower House Museum Guild, and The University of Akron. The house has become a lasting symbol of an era of elegance in America.

What Style is It?

Ohio has a rich collection of architectural styles dating from before it was even a state to the present. Join us on a virtual tour through time as you learn how to identify what style a building is which can help identify it's age, significance, as well as changes made to it over time. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Hard Hat Tour of Historic Downtown Canton

Ticket Required. Take a hard hat tour with developer Steve Coon. The tour will consist of the Rekert Building and the Landmark Tavern. Approved for 3.50 AIA HSW, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell. Field session sponsored by Gossman Group.

Bite-Sized Preservation

This session will explore strategies for effectively planning meaningful preservation projects with constrained resources. Many organizations often face tight budgets, but with strategic planning, preservation goals can still be realized successfully. Learn about the importance of early planning studies and assessments, which help prioritize and phase projects for gradual implementation that align with available funding. Attendees will also discover how key deliverables can be instrumental in attracting additional funding and engaging stakeholders. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Preserving Latino Sites in Ohio

Latino communities have long contributed to the cultural and architectural landscape of towns and cities across Ohio, from historic industrial cities like Lorain and Cleveland to smaller, often overlooked neighborhoods. Yet many of the historic places tied to Latino life, labor, and legacy remain under-documented and at risk of loss. In this session, Hillary Morales Robles, Historic Preservation Officer at Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC), will present the groundbreaking Endangered Latino Landmarks Program, a national initiative to identify and elevate vulnerable Latino historic sites. As part of this program, Hillary will also showcase the Latino Roots Tracker, a GIS-based mapping tool designed to document Latino places and stories in real time. Through these tools, Hillary will share lessons from LHC’s nationwide projects and highlight Ohio-based stories that connect preservation with Latino identity, memory, and resilience. Participants will learn about new tools and perspectives that support the inclusion of Latino heritage in preservation efforts. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Project Consultant Reflects on Cleveland's West Side Market Project from Financing to Completion

Financing Cleveland’s West Side Market Transformation – Following 113 years of continuous operations, Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market was in need of management changes and capital improvements to thrive in its next century of serving greater Cleveland residents. Hear from Cleveland Public Market Corporation’s Executive Director Rosemary Mudry and economic development consultant Ken Kalynchuk of Project Management Consultants on the transformation plan under construction at the West Side Market and how the financing deal for this $70 million transformation came together. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

The Great Migration and the Road to Freedom

Between 1910 and 1970, millions of African Americans fled the rural South for cities in the North, West, and Midwest during the era known as the Great Migration. Hear how a dedicated historic preservationist, a vintage Greyhound bus, and one of the largest historic theater organizations in the country are partnering on an immersive museum experience that celebrates the tenacity of Americans who escaped the Jim Crow segregation and violence of the South for a better life in Cleveland. Approved for 1.00 AIA HSW, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Collaborative Spaces: How Shared Business Models Can Lower Overhead and Expand Reach

Collaborative Spaces: In this session, we will explore how businesses can collaborate to share spaces, reduce overhead, and grow their customer bases. Through the examples of Ryan Miller’s- 4th Street Collective, a partnership between a deli, a pizza shop, and a brewery, and Tim Carmany’s 2nd April Studios, which hosts 20 artists, makers, and independent vendors- from painters, sculptors, and photographers to vintage curators, oddities, and local authors. Participants will learn how creative collaboration in shared spaces can help businesses thrive in downtown areas. The session will feature a live Q&A with the building owners behind these unique partnerships, providing attendees with firsthand insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the business owners and ask questions about how they structured the collaboration, managed logistics, and navigated any obstacles. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Real Estate: The Black Sheep of Downtowns—Turning a Necessary Evil into an Economic Asset

Real estate development is often a contentious topic in Main Street circles—seen as both a necessary asset and a challenge to manage. However, when leveraged strategically, real estate can be the key to revitalization, economic growth, and long-term sustainability for downtowns. This session will explore how Main Street programs can actively participate in and lead real estate development efforts, positioning themselves as place-based economic development hubs. Participants will learn how to utilize transformation strategies, economic leakage studies, and property activation methods to program their downtowns effectively. The session will also outline practical steps for working with private developers, activating underutilized properties, and using real estate as a catalyst for downtown improvements. Attendees will gain insights from case studies across communities of all sizes, learning best practices and proven techniques that align real estate development with Main Street revitalization goals. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

So You Want to Host a House Tour: Running a Successful Program

After 64 years of our annual Haus und Garten Tour, the German Village Society is excited to have an opportunity to share some of our insights on how to plan and implement a successful tour of homes. This session will look at the logistics of planning a tour, getting community involvement, and the day-of operations that make it all come together. Come learn from our experiences as we have led one of Columbus’s most attended house and garden tours for over six decades!

Playhouse Square: Theater as Cultural tourism & Economic Development

Approved for 1.00 AIA LU, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.

Power in Partnership: Strengthening Communities Through Strategic Collaboration

Main Street success doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it takes strong partnerships with chambers, tourism, city departments, and other local groups. But how do you move from just coexisting to actually working together? Join Downtown Tiffin’s Main Street Manager Donna Gross for a real-talk session on what true collaboration looks like. She’ll share practical ways Main Street programs can align with other organizations, communicate better, and build relationships that lead to real results. Whether you're just starting to connect or trying to deepen existing partnerships, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas you can put into action.

A History of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is destination for sports fans and here is your chance to learn how professional football came to be with deep roots in Canton.

Main Street Board Members Roundtable

Tour: Pro Football Hall of Fame