Working from Home? Check out our new programs for Spring & Summer, planned to keep you ahead of the curve. 

The California Preservation Foundation is a nationwide leader in historic preservation education. We train more than 5,000 people every year at more than 100 distinct events, including tours, our annual conference, design awards, workshops, Doors Open California, and webinars.

California Preservation Conference  

Since 1976, we have held an annual statewide conference where preservationists can gather, exchange ideas, network and organize around important issues. Our conferences take place in the spring, typically between mid-April and late-May. Visit our conference page for more details.

California Preservation Awards

During the California Preservation Awards, CPF recognizes the accomplishments of architects, engineers, developers, preservation consultants, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and others for outstanding examples of preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, reconstruction, contextual infill, sustainability, cultural resource studies and reports, craftsmanship and preservation technology, and archaeology and interpretive exhibits. The awards ceremony combines the presentation of the Preservation Design Awards (for exemplary projects) and President’s Awards (for organizations and firms deserving of special recognition). Since 2023, our Preservation Design Awards are presented in concert with our Annual Conference, which occurs between mid-April and late-May each year.

Doors Open California

Doors Open California is the largest statewide celebration of historic places in California. Enthusiasts of historic architecture, design, and cultural heritage will have access to select sites across the state over one weekend, typically in early September to mid-October annually. 

Doors Open sites are open only once a year for this special event, which includes 70+ opportunities in all corners of the state. Opportunities include behind-the-scenes or special access to unique, threatened, and/or preserved buildings or sites; walking tours; visits to the hidden vaults of local museums; and more. Doors Open looks at the uniquely Californian history of places, such as the history of neon lighting, social justice movements, food histories, art histories, and more.

Workshops & Webinars

All events are focused on professionals and advocates, including planners, architects, engineers, historians, commissioners, board members, and contractors. Many of our program have continuing education credit, including AIA, AICP, ASLA, MCLE, and USGBC. If you’re unable to pay by credit card, you can call 415-495-0349 or fill out a registration form here and return to us via fax, email, or mail.