The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM) is a statewide, private, nonprofit organization advocating the preservation of Minnesota's historic resources. The Alliance was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1981 by Minnesota citizens concerned about the future of the state’s architectural and cultural landmarks.  The organization has grown into a network representing thousands of individuals, businesses and groups throughout Minnesota.  Beyond our membership, we collaborate and partner with other citizens, municipalities, organizations and agencies from the national to the local level.  The Alliance is Minnesota's Statewide Partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Our Mission

The formal mission of the Alliance is “to preserve, protect, and promote Minnesota’s historic resources.”  We are a growing organization that positions itself at the center of a statewide network of individuals, businesses, and organizations engaging in preservation activity.

Our mission is achieved when our communities are healthy and vital.  Community vitality centers around livable neighborhoods and a thriving economic core.  The preservation of our existing infrastructure, including housing, transportation networks, commercial centers, parks and open space, not only creates viable cities, but it can also be done with relation to all income levels.  The Alliance exists to be a source of information, assistance, and inspiration to those who seek to preserve every community’s unique sense of place.

Our Services

As Minnesota’s statewide historic preservation advocacy and education organization, our information, technical, and strategic advocacy services empower citizens with the tools needed to preserve their historic resources.

We provide on the ground and remote field services providing guidance on a variety of subjects.  Support is regularly provided in teh areas of preservation techniques and approaches, fundraising, organizational development, community relations and politics, community development, and the availability of preservation resources.

Additionally, the Alliance organizes and empowers a statewide grassroots and grasstops network advocating on behalf of preservation public policy issues.  We stay abreast of emerging preservation challenges and best practices to keep our stakeholders informed.

Our Programs

In addition to our field and public policy work, the Alliance administers the following value-added programs:

Minnesota Main Street Program

In response to ongoing economic challenges to Main Street commercial district architecture and form, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), in 1977 launched the pilot version of the national Main Streets program.  Since then, the Main Street program has become a proven small town and urban commercial corridor economic development program.

The statewide Minnesota Main Street program is a comprehensive commercial revitalization strategy driven by the local community.  The program integrates several economic development and revitalization strategies, known as the Main Street Four Point Approach, tailored to local needs and opportunities:

Design:  Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, and developing sensitive design management systems.

Organization:  Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.

Promotion:  Marketing the traditional commercial district’s assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens, and visitors.

Economic Restructuring:  Strengthening the district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities.

Ten Most Endangered Historic Places

The Ten Most Endangered Historic Places program is designed to spotlight historic properties that face imminent danger through demolition, neglect, severe alteration, or inappropriate public policy.  Through this program the Alliance seeks favorable outcomes that can be achieved through a preservation approach.

Since 1992, the Ten Most Endangered program has raised vital public awareness of more than 130 properties in need of a preservation solution.  Of the places listed over the life of this important program, two-thirds have been saved in part through the awareness generated by its listing.  A full listing of previous Ten Most Endangered properties can be seen on our website.  Nominations are solicited every January and announced at a press conference the first Thursday in May as a kickoff to National Preservation Month in Minnesota.

Minnesota Preservation Awards

The Alliance's annual Minnesota Preservation Awards launched in 1985 to recognize outstanding projects, groups and individuals that contribute to the state’s preservation accomplishments.  Awards are presented, not on the basis of size or investment, but rather on the merit they provide to their community.  To see previous Minnesota Preservation Award honorees, please visit the Alliance website.  Nominations are solicited in July for review by a selection jury.  The Awards are announced in September.

Events, Tours, Symposia

The Alliance hosts a variety of events, tours, and symposia to provide our stakeholders with continuing education and networking opportunities.  Information on our latest offerings can be seen on our website.