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If you are having problems viewing this email, please click here.
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Sunday, Nov 8, 2026
2–4 p.m. Pacific
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The Borreo Building
920–930 Third Street ยท Napa, California
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A small gathering.
Limited Allowance of
60–70 guests planned
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Dear Friends, Members, and Preservation Advocates,
The Board of Trustees cordially invite you to a special and exclusive afternoon reception on Sunday, Nov 8th from 2 - 4 PM in Napa in the restored Borreo Building, built in 1877, with views across the Napa River and downtown. The setting offers its own reminder of what preservation makes possible.
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Join friends and colleagues to celebrate Cindy’s retirement and thank her for more than two decades at the California Preservation Foundation. We’ll share stories, raise a glass, and recognize the relationships behind the work.
Hosted hospitality
Savory hors d’oeuvres, light desserts, wine, sparkling wine, beer, and sparkling water.
Stories and tributes
Toasts from former CPF presidents and Napa colleagues, with career photographs and video moments.
Room to reconnect
Conversation with Cindy and the CPF community, with standing and seated gathering areas.
A lasting thank-you
A keepsake program, a shared tribute, and a group photograph to mark the occasion.
Unable to attend? You can also give in honor of Cindy
A gift to CPF Future Forward helps sustain the programs Cindy helped build — from elevating underrecognized histories and advancing statewide advocacy to supporting education, Doors Open California, student programs, and the annual conference. Together, we can honor Cindy’s legacy by investing in CPF’s continued strength, relevance, and impact for generations to come.
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Join us in honoring Cindy’s legacy of leadership.
Make your gift today. Move CPF Future Forward.
Thank you for standing with us,
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Annabel Enriquez President
Board of Trustees
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Carson Anderson Vice-President, Development
Co-Chair of the CPF Future Forward! Campaign
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Mike Gibson Trustee Emeritus
Co-Chair of the CPF Future Forward! Campaign
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Photo credit: Opening Reception at the Mackey House, 2026 Riverside Conference. Photo by Riley Keany.
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If you are having problems viewing this email, please click here.
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Call for Proposals Due 8/13
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Join us next May 5-8 in San Jose for the California Preservation Conference and Design Awards! We're looking for compelling session ideas, bold conversations, interactive tours, hands-on demonstrations, and immersive educational offerings that push the field forward.
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Winchester Mystery House, San Jose. Photo by Josh Ohmenn
The 2027 California Preservation Conference will be held in downtown San Jose, May 5th through 8th, 2027. A discounted block of rooms has been reserved at the Signia by Hilton San Jose.
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What We're Looking For:
We welcome proposals that reflect the full spectrum of preservation practice—from grassroots organizing to digital innovation, from policy development to materials conservation. Special consideration may be given to submissions that:
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Center community-led and underrepresented narratives
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Explore new tools for climate resilience and sustainability
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Address housing and adaptive reuse challenges
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Highlight advances in building technologies, documentation, and planning
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Elevate inclusive engagement across race, class, gender, age, and ability
Examples of Recent Conference Tracks:
Our 2026 Conference included five tracks. Our San Jose Committee will select new tracks that reflect local conditions and topics. The 2026 Tracks were:
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Reuse & Revitalization — Exploring creative solutions for housing, density, and the reuse of historic buildings.
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Participation & Engagement — Strengthening partnerships with communities, advocates, and stakeholders to broaden preservation’s reach
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Tools & Technology — Harnessing new technologies and digital tools that transform how we document, interpret, and protect historic places.
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History & Heritage — Deepening our understanding of the diverse stories, people, and movements that shape California’s built environment.
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Preservation Planning & Practice — Advancing policy, planning, and professional standards to ensure preservation remains a vital part of community development.Rethinking preservation planning, policy, and process
How to Submit:
Proposals can be submitted through a short online form in under five minutes. Share a fully developed idea or just a seed. You may submit multiple proposals by refreshing the form.
Deadline: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Submit Your Proposal Here: https://californiapreservation.org/programs/conf-ideas/
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Submissions will be considered for our annual conference, as well as our educational programs — including webinars, workshops, and special events — throughout the year.
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Thank you to our annual sponsors, who support our activities throughout the year!
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In this issue:
A Haunted Hotel in Nevada?
Pedal power in Paradise Crest
Meet volunteer Diana
Go behind the gates during our Surprise Sanctuary Garden Tour
The Reno Arch looks toward historic designation
Want first dibs on Home + History tickets? Become an NPF member at our NEW membership levels
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From NPF’s Executive Director Dr. Annie Delgado

A Little History, a Little Mystery
October is a particularly special time in our Silver State! With Nevada Day on October 30 and Halloween on October 31, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate both the history and the mysteries that make Nevada such a fascinating place to call home.
And if there’s one thing Nevada has plenty of, it’s a good ghost story!
Take, for example, the historic Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, which opened in 1907 and is said to be home to one of Nevada’s most famous ghosts: the Lady in Red. According to local legend, a woman was murdered in the hotel by a jealous lover, and her spirit never left. Over the years, guests have reported mysterious whispers, unexplained encounters, and even pearls appearing beneath their pillows. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Mizpah’s enduring legend is a wonderful example of how historic places capture our imaginations long after their original occupants are gone.
Of course, you don’t have to travel to Tonopah to uncover Nevada’s spooky history! Right here in Las Vegas, our own historic Woodlawn Cemetery holds more than a century of fascinating stories. Through Nevada Preservation Foundation’s self-guided digital tour, Shadows of Woodlawn: The Darker Side of Las Vegas’ History, you can explore tales of crime, scandal, and some of the city’s more mysterious characters at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to add a little history to your Halloween season!
You can find the tour through our NPF app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
As we celebrate Nevada’s 162nd anniversary of statehood, I’m reminded that preservation isn’t only about saving old buildings. It’s about protecting the places where our stories live, from the extraordinary to the everyday, and yes, even the occasional ghost story.
This October, I encourage you to explore a historic neighborhood, discover a new piece of local history, or share a Nevada story with someone who hasn’t heard it before. After all, the past has a way of staying with us, sometimes in more ways than one!
Wishing you all a happy Nevada Day and a wonderfully spooky Halloween!
Photo: Rick Obst
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FIRST SATURDAY: Hidden Paradise Bike Tour
Saturday, November 7 at 9am
Joining us on a bike tour exploring the vintage charm of Paradise Crest. This custom-home neighborhood on the east side, built by the Collins Brothers, is best known for the “Hammargren Home of Nevada History,” where former resident and Lieutenant Governor Lonnie Hammargren assembled an eclectic collection of Las Vegas and world treasures. Get ticketshere.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
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Diana Woodhouse has called Las Vegas home since 2015. A Bay Area native, she returned West after completing her PhD in Performance Studies at Southern Illinois University to join the faculty at the College of Southern Nevada, where she is a full-time Professor of Communication.
Living in downtown Las Vegas sparked Diana’s interest in the stories behind the city’s distinctive buildings, neighborhoods, and landmarks—and in the people who shaped them. Already a volunteer docent at The Smith Center, Diana became involved with Nevada Preservation Foundation while looking for additional ways to serve Las Vegas’s arts and culture community. NPF’s Home + History Week put the organization on Diana’s radar, bringing together her interest in Las Vegas history with her love of architecture and interior design. Her interest in homes and interiors extends to miniature ones, including a wooden dollhouse she enjoys decorating and furnishing—one tiny room at a time.
Beginning her NPF involvement as a co-lead for The Darker Side of Woodlawn tour, Diana felt immediately at home among a warm community of people who shared her interests. She’s grateful for NPF and all the preservation work they do!
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UPCOMING PROGRAMMING
Vintage Vegas Fall Yard + Garden Tour: SURPRISE SANCTUARIES
November 8, 10:45am-2:00pm
From manicured greens that were once the height of 60’s status to desert savvy xeriscapes, this self-driving tour will take you through some of the most unexpected outdoor spaces in Vintage Vegas. Meander through historic neighborhoods rich in mid-century architecture and mature landscaping that only time can design. Get tickets!

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PRESERVATION SPOTLIGHT
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Reno’s Original Arch Moves Toward Historic Designation
For nearly a century, Reno’s iconic arch has welcomed visitors to the Biggest Little City, though its original incarnation has traveled a surprisingly winding road. First erected in 1926 at Virginia Street and Commercial Row, the steel structure was built to promote the 1927 Nevada Transcontinental Highways Exposition, celebrating the completion of the Lincoln and Victory highways. Its illuminated lettering and decorative torches quickly became a downtown landmark, eventually earning a permanent place in Reno’s identity.
Over the decades, the arch underwent several transformations, relocations and even a stint in storage. It resurfaced in 1994 for the filming of Cobb, sparking renewed interest in preserving the structure. In 1995, the original arch found a permanent home on Lake Street near the Truckee River, where it remains today.
Now, the City of Reno is pursuing formal historic recognition for the nearly 100-year-old landmark. The proposed designation would add the original Reno Exposition Arch to the city’s Register of Historic Places and establish a Historic Landmark zoning overlay, providing additional recognition and protections for the structure.
The effort acknowledges a landmark that has survived decades of downtown redevelopment while remaining one of Reno’s most recognizable symbols.
Read more about the proposed designation through the City of Reno’s development updates. Arch photo in 2020: Mobilus In Mobili
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Get a jump on Home + History tickets - join NPF at our NEW membership tiers!
Did you know that as a member-supported organization, annual dues are the absolute heartbeat of our mission to preserve, educate, and advocate for our community's incredible architectural heritage?
Whether you are a historic home fanatic or just love vintage Vegas, becoming a member at these new levels is the best way to get involved, and your benefits start immediately!
I have an older NPF membership. Can I switch to one of the NEW membership tiers?Yes! You can switch to a new tier at any time. Your remaining membership value will be applied toward the new tier, and your benefits will update immediately.
Here is a taste of what you'll get with a NEWmembership:
•15% off our monthly programming
• Early access to Home + History (HHLV) tickets + exclusive merch
• Invitations to special membership-only events throughout the year
Memberships start at just $55 a year for our Contributor level!
Click Here to Become a Member Today! Or give us a call at (800) 881-5824 to join!
Download the full newsletter here.
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The Arizona Preservation Foundation is Arizona's non-profit statewide historic preservation organization. Founded in 1979, the Foundation is dedicated to preserving Arizona's historic resources. This e-newsletter provides you with updates on Foundation activities and preservation news from across our state and nation's capital. Visit our website at azpreservation.org or our social media channels for more news and information.
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Save the Date! 2027 Preserve AZ Conference & Governor's Heritage Preservation Honor Awards, June 8-11, 2027, Prescott
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Mark your calendars! The Arizona Preservation Foundation, State Historic Preservation Office, and City of Prescott invite you to join us June 8–11, 2027, in historic downtown Prescott for the 2027 Preserve AZ Conference and Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards.
Hosted at the historic Hassayampa Inn, Preserve AZ will bring together Arizona’s preservation professionals, community advocates, historians, archaeologists, architects, planners, educators, volunteers, and others who share a commitment to protecting the places and stories that define our state.
This year’s theme, Many Voices, Many Places, One Arizona, recognizes the many communities, cultures, traditions, and perspectives that make Arizona unique. Our shared history is richer when we listen to one another, recognize stories that have too often gone untold, and work together to preserve the places that connect us to our past and help shape our future.
The four-day gathering will feature educational sessions, professional development opportunities, panel discussions, pre-conference workshops, guided tours, and plenty of time to connect with colleagues and friends from across the state. Topics will span historic preservation, archaeology, cultural resources management, architecture, planning, and related fields.
A highlight of the week will be the Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards on Thursday, June 10. This special event will recognize the people, organizations, projects, and communities making a lasting difference in preserving and interpreting Arizona’s historic and cultural heritage.
Whether you are a seasoned preservation professional, a community volunteer, student, an elected official, or simply someone who appreciates Arizona’s history, our Preserve AZ conference offers an opportunity to learn, share ideas, build partnerships, and be part of the conversation about our state's preservation future.
Make plans now to join us in Prescott!
The call for sessions is now open with a deadline of Friday, December 11, 2026. Additional information about call for awards, registration, scholarships, sponsorship opportunities, and hotel reservations will be announced in the coming months.
2027 Preserve AZ Conference
- Dates: June 8–11, 2027
- Location: Historic Downtown Prescott
- Host Hotel: Hassayampa Inn
- Theme: Many Voices, Many Places, One Arizona
Visit our conference website for updates and conference announcements.
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Save the Date! "Discover Arizona's Historic Highway 80" Webinar, Nov. 12, 2026, 11-Noon
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Arizona’s roads tell stories, and few have as many as Historic Highway 80. Join the Arizona Preservation Webinar Series on Thursday, November 12, for a special webinar exploring the history and enduring legacy of this iconic roadway, which helped shape Arizona’s communities and connect its people.
J.J. Lamb, President of the Vail Preservation Society, will take us on a journey through Arizona’s section of the historic highway, uncovering the places, people, and stories that make it an important part of our state’s heritage. She will also explore how communities can work together to protect these historic resources and keep their stories alive.
Meet Our Presenter: J.J. Lamb is co-founder and President of the Vail Preservation Society. A graduate of the University of Arizona, she also attended the American Association for State and Local History's Seminar for Historical Administration. Her work focuses on projects that build a sense of place and encourage community stewardship.J.J. serves on the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission and the Arizona Preservation Foundation Board.
She was named an Arizona Culture Keeper in 2011 and an Arizona Friend of the Humanities in 2020. She also served on the Tucson Preservation Foundation's Historic Highway 80 working group, which helped secure the highway's designation as an Arizona Historic Road.
Webinar Details
- Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. to Noon MST
- Location: Online via Zoom. Register here.
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Tucson Modernism Week. Six Days of Architecture, Design, Art & Desert Modernism, Through Nov. 8
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Tucson is celebrating its modernist heritage. Tucson Modernism Week 2026** kicked off November 3 and continues through November 8, bringing six days of architecture, design, art, films, tours, lectures, and special events to communities across the city.
Presented by the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, this annual celebration showcases the people, places, and distinctive design that make Tucson a remarkable destination for modernist architecture and desert living.
Highlights include the Vintage Trailer Show along historic Sunshine Mile, the Tucson Modernism Week Cocktail Party, and the popular annual Mid-Century Modern Home Tour, along with plenty of opportunities to explore Tucson's architectural heritage and creative spirit.
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a design lover, or simply curious about the places that give Tucson its character, there's something to discover.
There's still time to join the celebration. Explore the full schedule, discover upcoming events, and reserve your tickets here.
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Route 66 Turns 100! Three Grant Opportunities to Help Preserve Arizona's Mother Road
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As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, new opportunities have emerged to preserve the historic places, businesses, and stories that make the Mother Road an enduring part of America's cultural heritage. From historic motels and gas stations to locally owned businesses and community landmarks, these resources can help ensure that the places connecting generations of travelers remain part of Arizona's story.
There are now three grant opportunities worth exploring, including two programs offered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a third administered through the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office.
1. Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund
The National Trust is offering grants to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations to help preserve and interpret historic places along Route 66. The program recognizes that, despite the highway's national significance, important historic resources disappear every year. Funding will support preservation efforts while bringing greater attention to the lesser-known places, people, and stories that define the Mother Road. Learn more about the Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund
2. Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund
Historic businesses are an essential part of the Route 66 experience. This grant program provides financial assistance directly to business owners seeking to preserve and strengthen their connection to the historic highway. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and support projects in three categories:
- Capital Improvements: Physical improvements that help sustain historic businesses.
- Planning: Projects that help businesses plan for their future.
- Marketing & Outreach: Efforts to promote businesses and share their stories.
This is an opportunity for legacy businesses along the corridor to invest in their properties, strengthen their operations, and remain part of the Route 66 experience.
Learn more about the Legacy Business Grant Fund
3. Arizona Route 66 Historic Revitalization Grant
The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), working with statewide partners, has established a competitive grant program to support the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic properties in rural communities along Arizona's stretch of Route 66. Funded through a 2025 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant awarded by the National Park Service, the program supports projects that combine historic preservation with economic revitalization.
Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 and require a 20% cash or in-kind match.
Eligible projects may include the rehabilitation of historic motels, gas stations, restaurants, trading posts, heritage sites, and other properties associated with the Route 66 travel experience. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, counties, tribal governments, and commercial businesses.
Important Application Deadlines:
- Pre-Application: Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Final Application: Monday, November 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- A pre-application is required to proceed to the final application.
Additional Resources:
Help Spread the Word!Do you know a historic property owner, nonprofit organization, local government, tribal community, or legacy business along Arizona's Route 66 corridor that could benefit from these opportunities? Share this information with your networks. These grants offer an important opportunity to invest in historic places, support local businesses, strengthen rural communities, and preserve the stories that make Route 66 special.
Take Action: Support National Historic Trail Designation
As we celebrate Route 66's Centennial, there is another important opportunity to help secure its future. The National Trust is encouraging advocates to contact their Members of Congress and urge support for designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. This designation would recognize the highway's national significance and help ensure that its legacy receives the recognition and attention it deserves. A century of stories deserves a future. Let's work together to preserve the places, businesses, and communities that make Route 66 an American treasure.
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