Get Involved
Make a Difference in Duluth’s Story
There are many ways to support the Duluth Preservation Alliance’s mission—from joining a committee to volunteering at events or helping share our mission itself. Whether you’re interested in hands-on involvement, advocacy, or behind-the-scenes support, there’s a place for you to contribute and make an impact.
Join a Committee
Our committees are the heart of the Duluth Preservation Alliance, driving our programs, advocacy, and outreach. Each offers a unique way to contribute your time and expertise.
Endangered Places Committee
Our advocacy arm, the Endangered Places Committee identifies and researches historic sites at risk each year, producing the Duluth Preservation Alliance’s 10 Endangered Places list. This work raises public awareness about threatened buildings—from vacant downtown properties to significant industrial and residential sites—and highlights opportunities for preservation and reuse. As noted in recent findings, even designated historic buildings in Duluth have been lost in recent years, underscoring the importance of this work. The committee meets throughout the year on an informal schedule, typically on Thursday evenings.
Annual Property Tour Committee
Organizes the Duluth Preservation Alliance’s annual Historic Properties Tour, one of the organization’s most anticipated and impactful events. The committee curates a selection of historic homes and landmarks that showcase Duluth’s architectural character, craftsmanship, and neighborhood stories. The tour is also the DPA’s primary fundraiser, supporting programming throughout the year as well as preservation grants.
Members contribute in a variety of ways—from researching properties and writing content to coordinating logistics and serving as docents during the event. This group meets regularly throughout the summer to plan and coordinate one of our most popular events.
Awards Committee
Responsible for selecting recipients for the Duluth Preservation Alliance’s annual awards, this committee researches historic homes, buildings, and landmarks throughout the community. Members identify candidates, connect with property owners, and help recognize outstanding preservation efforts. Awards—including Centennial Awards (for properties over 100 years old) and Preservation Awards—are presented each year at the Annual Meeting in May.
Fundraising Committee
The Duluth Preservation Alliance is committed to keeping programs accessible and affordable, but financial support is essential to sustain our work—especially our preservation grant program. The Fundraising Committee helps make this possible by organizing events such as the annual summer rummage sale and exploring new and creative ways to generate support. This group plays a vital role in ensuring the DPA can continue its mission, expand its impact, and invest in preservation efforts throughout the community.
Marketing Committee
Shapes the Duluth Preservation Alliance’s public presence through branding, communications, and outreach. This committee develops and maintains the organization’s identity—from logo and visual standards to messaging and tone—while managing the website, email communications, and social media.
Members help promote events, grow membership, and expand awareness through content creation, storytelling, and community engagement. The committee also explores new ways to connect with audiences, including newsletters, partnerships, and digital and print initiatives, while supporting fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
Currently focused on strengthening the DPA’s visibility, refining its brand, and building a more engaging and accessible presence across all platforms.
Membership Committee
Works to define membership benefits and grow the Duluth Preservation Alliance community by welcoming and engaging new members. This committee focuses on building meaningful connections—developing strategies to attract new members, retain existing ones, and enhance the overall member experience. Efforts include outreach, onboarding, communication, and identifying ways to provide value through events, programs, and early access opportunities.
Programs and Events Committee
Plans and organizes a wide range of programs and events throughout the year to connect the community with preservation. This includes educational workshops, lectures, tours, and hands-on experiences that highlight Duluth’s history, architecture, and historic buildings.
The committee works closely with local historians, experts, and partners to develop meaningful programming—such as seminars on historic paint colors or events highlighting WPA-era bridges and buildings. These programs create opportunities to learn, engage, and experience preservation firsthand. Some events are free and open to the public, while others are ticketed and help support the DPA’s mission and ongoing work.
Members help shape new ideas, coordinate logistics, and create opportunities for the community to connect with Duluth’s historic places in meaningful ways.
Volunteer at Events
Help bring Duluth Preservation Alliance programs and events to life by volunteering your time. Opportunities range from helping with event setup and greeting guests to serving as a docent during the annual property tour. Volunteers also support programs, workshops, and community events throughout the year—playing a key role in creating meaningful experiences and connecting people to Duluth’s historic places.
Want to volunteer with the Duluth Preservation Alliance?
Email us at: DuluthPreservationAlliance@gmail.com
Host an Event
Have a space or idea for a program? We welcome opportunities to partner with community members and organizations to host events that support our mission and engage the public. This could include anything from our annual holiday gathering to a special tour of a restored home or building, an educational seminar, or a unique community event that highlights Duluth’s history and architecture.
Share Our Mission
One of the simplest and most impactful ways to support preservation is by spreading the word. Share our events, follow along on social media, and help build awareness about the importance of preserving Duluth’s historic places.
👉 Be Featured on the Annual Tour
Interested in having your home or property featured on the DPA Annual Properties Tour? Held each year on the third Sunday of September, the tour highlights some of Duluth’s most unique and historically significant homes. If your property has distinctive architecture, craftsmanship, or a compelling story—and you’re open to sharing it—we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Nominate a Home, Property, or Landmark for an Award
Know a home or building that deserves recognition? We honor property owners who have invested time, care, and dedication into maintaining Duluth’s historic places. Whether it’s a thoughtfully restored property or a well-maintained home over 100 years old, we welcome nominations for both Preservation and Centennial Awards—presented each year at our Annual Meeting in May.
You’re also welcome to nominate your own home, property or landmark.
