Historic Preservation & Neighborhood Revitalization Volunteer Opportunities
New Orleans' historic architecture and neighborhoods are vital parts of the city's identity. If you're passionate about preserving these cultural assets while supporting neighborhood revitalization, there are many ways to get involved as a volunteer. Here's a comprehensive guide to organizations and initiatives that welcome community participation:
Preservation Organizations
Preservation Resource Center (PRC)
- Volunteer Activities: Home renovations, architectural surveys, research, tour guiding, event support
- Time Commitment: Varies from one-day events to ongoing projects
- Skills Needed: Various levels – from no experience to skilled trades
- How to Join: Fill out volunteer form on their website
- Contact: prcno.org/get-involved/volunteer or call (504) 581-7032
Rebuilding Together New Orleans
- Volunteer Activities: Home repair and rehabilitation for low-income homeowners
- Time Commitment: Regular volunteer days and special projects (October Build)
- Skills Needed: All skill levels welcome; professional construction skills especially valuable
- How to Join: Register through their website
- Contact: rtno.org/volunteer or email volunteer@rtno.org
Preservation Trades Network - New Orleans Chapter
- Volunteer Activities: Traditional building skills workshops, historic property maintenance
- Time Commitment: Monthly workshop sessions and special projects
- Skills Needed: Interest in traditional building techniques; professionals and novices welcome
- How to Join: Join their mailing list for upcoming volunteer opportunities
- Contact: ptn.org/chapters/new-orleans
Neighborhood-Specific Organizations
Tremé Historic District Preservation Committee
- Volunteer Activities: Historic home surveys, community outreach, history documentation
- Time Commitment: Monthly meetings and special projects
- Skills Needed: Interest in history and preservation; research skills helpful
- How to Join: Attend a monthly meeting (first Tuesday)
- Contact: Email tremepreservation@gmail.com
Lower 9th Ward Historic Preservation Coalition
- Volunteer Activities: Building stabilization, documentation, community events
- Time Commitment: Weekly volunteer days and special projects
- Skills Needed: Various skills needed; orientation provided
- How to Join: Email lower9preservation@gmail.com
- Contact: instagram.com/lower9preservation
Bywater Historic Preservation Association
- Volunteer Activities: Historic district monitoring, advocacy, educational events
- Time Commitment: Monthly meetings and periodic events
- Skills Needed: Interest in preservation and community development
- How to Join: Attend a meeting or contact via email
- Contact: bywaterpreservation.org
Heritage Documentation
New Orleans Historic Archives Alliance
- Volunteer Activities: Document digitization, oral history collection, archival organization
- Time Commitment: Flexible scheduling, 3-4 hour shifts
- Skills Needed: Attention to detail; computer skills helpful but not required
- How to Join: Contact via email to schedule an orientation
- Contact: nolaarchives.org/volunteer
Historic New Orleans Collection
- Volunteer Activities: Research assistance, tour guiding, special events
- Time Commitment: Regular weekly shifts or special events
- Skills Needed: Interest in history; training provided
- How to Join: Apply through their website
- Contact: hnoc.org/about/employment-opportunities/volunteer-opportunities
Neighborhood Story Project
- Volunteer Activities: Oral history collection, transcription, community event support
- Time Commitment: Project-based commitment
- Skills Needed: Interview skills helpful; training provided
- How to Join: Email neighborhoodstoryproject@gmail.com
- Contact: neighborhoodstoryproject.org
How to Get Started
Identify your interests: Do you prefer hands-on restoration work, research, community engagement, or event support?
Consider your skills: Some opportunities can utilize specialized skills in construction, architecture, or history, while others require no prior experience.
Determine your availability: Options range from one-time events to regular commitments.
Start local: Consider volunteering in your own neighborhood or one you feel connected to.
Attend a preservation workshop: Many organizations offer introductory sessions to learn about historic preservation while meeting others with similar interests.
By volunteering with these organizations, you'll contribute to preserving New Orleans' unique architectural heritage while supporting neighborhood revitalization efforts that benefit current residents. Your involvement helps ensure that preservation creates vibrant, living communities rather than just preserving buildings.