SHOW ME THE MONEY (again)
When I launched the inaugural anonymous cultural heritage worker salary survey I was hoping for 100 responses. More than 1,000 of you responded, creating this beautiful open source data resource that has been used in presentations, to advocate for raises, to help determine consultant rates, and more. In an effort to grow the resource/impact, it's time to do the survey again. The Anon Cultural Heritage Worker Salary Survey 2.026 has been tweaked a bit based on feedback, but it will serve as a counterpoint to the data collected from 2023-2024. All data will continue to be open source for you to use as you see fit.
Please fill out this survey yourself and share it wide + far.
"Corita Kent was a brilliant whirlwind of many talents: artist, teacher, social justice advocate, a sister in the Immaculate Heart of Mary. "She did groundbreaking, even radical, work in each of these fields. Her rules will help us Spring Into Action.
What's Next:
We have been collectively exploring what the future of preservation could/should look like for as long as I’ve been working in this field, and 2026 is no different - it’s a year of commemorations and reflections. It has been a joy to support contemplative conversations under the “Dismantle Preservation” umbrella over the years through virtual programming, in person Learning Labs, etc.. This year, I would like to try something new to help us not only continue the conversations, but to help us Spring Into Action.
Next month I will be launching the Dismantle Preservation Spring Into Action"Curriculum." Our multi month conversation will start out with a deep dive into the history of the historic preservation movement, followed by looking at individuals who have shaped our strategies, and then rounding out with community connections. My newsletter for the correlating month will focus on the topic at hand and serve as a kickoff for our private conversations or larger community conversations at TBD times on the Dismantle Preservation Discord. The "curriculum" will share a variety of items for you to consider reading, watching, or listening to, as well as a worksheet to help you explore the focus of the month.
Whether you are able to explore the materials based on the newsletter pacing or not, I hope you’ll be encouraged to Spring Into Action and explore what breaking our own rules looks like. Let’s carry a radical enthusiasm for not accepting the status quo together.
RESOURCE ROUNDUP:
What I’ve been reading, listening to, and watching.
Where You Can Find Me: Stop Asking for Permission: Shifting Preservation's Power Dynamics, a free public lecture at UPenn
Webinar: Pricing Strategies for Professionals in Public History
Action Alert: ACHP Launches Major Review of Section 106 Regulations
Funding: Building Common Ground
Reflections: Some of My Takeaways from Saving Places 2026
Podcast: Your Heritage, Your Story
Article: Sanborn to Run: Overcoming Workplace Obstacles for Fire Insurance Surveyors
A big thank you for being here. I view these newsletters as conversation starters; I love hearing about your work, your views, and what you are dreaming of. Keep the emails coming and PLEASE introduce yourself if you see me in person. It was really nice to connect with a few of you at Saving Places in Denver.