Meet the Interns!
Since 1984, the United States Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS-USA) International Exchange Program (IEP) has worked with partners around the world to provide hands-on training opportunities for emerging cultural heritage professionals. After convening in Washington, DC for a three-day orientation, the IEP sends participants from…


Day 2 of the ICOMOS-USA 2026 Symposium in Philadelphia built on the momentum of an inspiring opening keynote by W. Richard West Jr., whose reflections challenged us to think more deeply about the stories we preserve, the voices we elevate, and the responsibility we share in protecting our cultural heritage.
As sessions continued throughout the day, preservation professionals, scholars, students, and advocates explored this year's theme, Shared Heritage, Shared Future, through conversations about World Heritage, historic preservation, and the evolving role of heritage in our communities.
Thank you to everyone contributing your expertise, curiosity, and passion. Together, we're shaping the future of heritage preservation.
#ICOMOSUSA #WorldHeritage #HistoricPreservation #CulturalHeritage #Philadelphia #SharedHeritageSharedFuture ... See MoreSee Less
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What an inspiring first day at the ICOMOS-USA 2026 Symposium in Philadelphia!
From thought-provoking discussions on intangible heritage and stewardship to conversations about the future of World Heritage and historic preservation, today's sessions reflected this year's theme: Shared Heritage, Shared Future. We were honored to welcome preservation professionals, scholars, students, and advocates from across the country and beyond as we explored how we can work together to protect the places, stories, and traditions that connect us.
Thank you to everyone who joined us today. We're looking forward to another full day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Tag us in your photos!
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Welcome to the ICOMOS-USA 2026 Symposium!
We're excited to kick off several days of conversations exploring the future of cultural heritage, historic preservation, and World Heritage. From expert presentations to tours and networking, the symposium brings together preservation professionals, students, advocates, and partners in Philadelphia to exchange ideas and strengthen our shared commitment to protecting places that matter.
If you're joining us, let us know you're here in the comments and share your favorite moments throughout the day using #ICOMOSUSA.
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‼️‼️A quick note for those joining us in Philadelphia: The forecast is calling for extreme summer heat, so please dress comfortably. Business casual attire is encouraged—there's no need for suits or ties. Most importantly, stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and take care of yourself! We can't wait to see you at the symposium!‼️‼️ ... See MoreSee Less
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We look forward to gathering with you this week for our ICOMOS-USA 2026 Symposium and Conference: Shared Heritage, Shared Future: Preservation, Stewardship, and the Next Generation! Here is helpful information as you prepare for our three-day event.
This year's Symposium will take place at:
Benjamin Franklin Hall - American Philosophical Society
427 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Parking: There are several parking garages within a convenient distance from the APS. The Bourse Garage is the closest facility, at 4th and Ranstead Streets. Additionally, there are garages at the Independence Visitor Center and the National Constitution Center. www.amphilsoc.org/about/getting-here
Arriving early? We encourage all of our guests to attend the Reenactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, taking place at Independence Square on Wednesday morning!
What: Reenactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence
Where: Independence Square
When: July 8, Introduction by a park ranger starting at 11:00 AM
Declaration reading promptly at noon
This is a free event, not affiliated with our program. After the reenactment, grab lunch at one of the many local restaurants in the neighborhood before our doors open at 1:00 PM!
www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=9ADFD296-D938-1D7F-8C831095E8DE1489 ... See MoreSee Less
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Join ICOMOS-USA in Philadelphia this July as preservation leaders, scholars, and advocates come together for “Shared Heritage, Shared Future.” From intangible heritage to the future of stewardship, this year’s symposium will explore the conversations shaping what comes next. Learn more and register now! worldheritageusa.org/symposium/ (🔗 in bio) ... See MoreSee Less
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Did you miss the Monuments Toolkit's "Juneteenth as World Heritage" webinar? You can watch the full recording on YouTube now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4yy_rMTgXA ... See MoreSee Less
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How do communities navigate the complex conversations surrounding monuments and memorials? The Monuments Toolkit Workshop offers practical tools, real-world examples, and collaborative discussion to help preservation professionals, advocates, and community leaders address these important questions. Register today and join us in Philadelphia. worldheritageusa.org/symposium/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Join us for our next webinar, "Juneteenth as World Heritage: Context & Celebration" on June 18th from 2pm - 3pm EDT. Register at usicomos.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/usicomos/eventRegistration.jsp?event=232& ... See MoreSee Less
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