Thursday, 9/18/2025 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

Room: W206

Topic(s):
Accessibility

Description:
Many park departments and park districts have historic sites under their supervision and care. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires accessibility of historic buildings and sites. How can this be accomplished without destroying or ruining their historical significance? In this session, Mark will provide several examples of his work on accessibility of sites, including Lincoln's childhood home in Kentucky, Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois, and President Truman's home in Independence, Missouri. He recently presented on a conference to make Jerusalem and other ancient cities accessible. Details will be provided on not only the physical accessibility of these sites, but also on the solutions provided for exhibit access. Mark was on a committee to develop accessibility standards that was developed into a manual called "Everyone's Welcome." This manual was created in conjunction with the Smithsonian, National Endowment for the Arts and the American Alliance of Museums. This information will provide creative solutions to provide access while still protecting the historic significance of these buildings and sites.

Learning Objectives:

1. Ateendees will learn how to meet ADA accessibility requirements without destroying the significance of buildings and sites.

2. Attendees will understand creative solutions available to allow increased access at historic buildings and sites.

3. Attendees will learn to find strategic partners to include in this planning for increasing accessibility.

Speaker(s):
Mark Trieglaff