The effort to form a statewide preservation organization began in Kentucky in the late 1970s and the Commonwealth Preservation Council of Kentucky was formed in July 1978. During the past 25 years, the name of the organization has changed, but the focus has remained much the same. By the 1990s, the organization was known as Commonwealth Preservation Advocates.

Preservation Kentucky was formed in 1998 by the board of Commonwealth Preservation Advocates to provide educational opportunities. CPA exists as primarily a preservation lobbying organization. The mission of PK is to promote the preservation of Kentucky's historic resources through education and advocacy.

Preservation Kentucky is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization that relies on membership revenue, grants, and other donations for operating funds. As of March 2005, PK represents nearly 600 members statewide. Members include individuals, businesses, community organizations and government entities.

Preservation Kentucky applied for and was accepted into the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Statewide Initiative program in 1999. This program provides technical assistance and matching financial resources to establish organizational structures and employment of full-time professional staff. Preservation Kentucky hired its first staff person, Executive Director Joanna Hinton, in January 2003.

Preservation Kentucky is a Forum member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was a partner in the 2004 National Preservation Conference held in Louisville, a member of Preservation Action, a national lobby organization, as well other local and regional organizations.

Preservation Kentucky sponsors various education programs including:

  • The Photo-Essay Competition open to any Kentucky elementary, middle or high school aged student
  • The Kentucky's Most Endangered List which spotlights irreplaceable historic resources that are at risk of being lost or demolished
  • Programs, workshops and lectures held throughout the state
  • Co-sponsor of biannual statewide preservation conference
  • Speakers Bureau available providing speakers to schools, service organizations and other interested groups throughout the state
  • The Edith S. Bingham Preservation Fund provides funding for heritage education
  
     
 
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