Social Innovation Forum
Join the Social Innovation Forum on January 19, 2020, from 1:00-2:00 pm EST for the virtual Social Issue Talk "Revitalizing Communities Through Historic Restoration." Please scroll down the page to see the RSVP link.
SpeakersMary Anthony, Director, 1772 Foundation
Mary Anthony has served as the Executive Director of the 1772 Foundation since 2003. Based in Providence, RI, the foundation is committed to ensuring the safe passage of our historic buildings and farmland to future generations and focuses its grantmaking on historic preservation and farmland conservation. Additionally, the foundation invests approximately $1.5 million each year in historic properties redevelopment programs (also called “revolving funds”), an innovative approach to community redevelopment that uses historic preservation as a tool. These proactive preservation programs are versatile, using conservation easements, options, purchase and resale, tax credits, and other means to preserve historic buildings. When a building is returned to private ownership or creates a revenue stream, any proceeds realized as a result of the transaction are used to sustain that building or rescue another endangered property.
Under Mary’s guidance and leadership, the 1772 Foundation become a national leader in the field of historic properties redevelopment programs (HPRP’s). The foundation’s grant recipients have successfully repurposed buildings all across the country. In the process, they have partnered with local stakeholders to tackle big issues, like economic revitalization, neighborhood development, equitable housing, and smart growth. Grantees are working not only to stabilize the built environment of their communities but also to address the social, environmental, and economic issues unique to their localities.
In May 2016, Mary was the recipient of the prestigious Paul E. Tsongas Award from Preservation Massachusetts. This award celebrates the exceptional vision, leadership, and accomplishments of women in historic preservation. Mary holds a B.A. from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) from Harvard University.
Kathryn is a licensed architect in Massachusetts, a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), a Passive House Institute – United States (PHIUS) certified consultant, and an Ambassador with the International Living Future Institute.
Kathryn is the Founder and Director of studio2sustain inc an architecture practice committed to sustainable solutions – embracing ecology, economy, and equity. Located in the historic port city of New Bedford, MA, studio2sustain evolved during the BP oil-spill and corresponding proposed Cape Wind offshore wind farm of 2010 with an expanded mission to develop sustainable buildings, sites, and communities.
Prior to s2s, Kathryn was the founder of STUDIO of Architecture & Art – an architecture practice celebrating form and function in our coastal ocean region. Kathryn is Chair of the City of New Bedford Planning Board, a member of the WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE) board of directors, and a founding member of the REACH Foundation board of directors. Kathryn lives and works in the port city of New Bedford. Kathryn earned a B. Arch from Syracuse University, a Masters of Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and attended the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Denise Porche, Executive Director, Island Foundation
2020 Social Innovator
Since 1962, the Waterfront Historic Area League (WHALE) has rescued over 65 of New Bedford’s historic treasures from the wrecking ball, which has had a profound impact on New Bedford’s economic vitality and continues to assist with the overall revitalization movement that is occurring throughout the city. As the only dual historic preservation nonprofit and Community Development Corporation in the country, WHALE’s unique work lends itself to broaden the scope from looking at individual buildings to entire neighborhoods – finding the correct reuse for these historic structures that will ultimately have the greatest benefit for the community.
Schrafft Charitable Trust
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Social Issue Talk events are intended for funders community leaders to hear from leading experts about the latest trends, best practices, and exciting innovations across a variety of fields.