To further the identification, documentation, rehabilitation and preservation of recent past architecture the Technical Preservation Services branch of the National Park Service organized and hosted two national conferences, in 1995 and in 2000.

Preserving the Recent Past, Chicago, 1995

In 1995, the National Park Service co-sponsored the first national conference devoted to preserving recent past architecture. Held in Chicago, the three day event attracted preservationists, scholars, conservationists, architects, government officials, and others interested in discussing ways of preserving twentieth century architecture. Topics included determining the significance of recent past architecture, preservation strategies, conserving a variety of materials and assemblies including acousical ceiling systems, porcelain enamel, structural glass, and curtain walls. Papers presented at the conference were compiled in a handbook called Preserving the Recent Past. For information on ordering copies, see the "Co-Published Books" section of the TPS online publication catalog here.

Preserving the Recent Past 2, Philadelphia, 2000

Based on the positive response to the first conference, the National Park Service co-sponsored a second recent past conference in 2000. Though the general theme was the same, the topics varied considerably. Papers presented methods of documenting and preserving historic public housing, supermarkets, banks, storefronts, bridges, modern landscapes, postwar suburbs and ranch houses. An international perspective was gained from presentations discussing efforts in Canada, Scotland, England, Cuba, Israel, and Australia. Conservation strategies for the treatment of thin-shell concrete structures, decorative plastic laminates, screen block and other materials were also presented. As with the first conference, papers from Preserving the Recent Past II were published in a handbook. Ordering information can be found in the "Co-Published Books" section of the TPS online publication catalog here.