Heritage Ohio’s 2025 Preservation Month Photo Contest | Where Life Happens
Heritage Ohio’s annual Preservation Month Photo Contest returns this May with a new theme: Where Life Happens.
This year, we focus on how buildings and architectural details carry life forward—through use, memory, and presence. We welcome images of places that serve their communities now, have recently come back into use, or still wait for someone to step in. Each stage tells a different part of the preservation story.
The contest opens the first week of May and runs through the end of the month. Full entry details will be available at heritageohio.org and shared on our social media accounts: @heritageohio on Facebook and LinkedIn, and @ heritageohiomainstreet on Instagram. We’ll highlight select entries throughout the month and feature one winning image on the cover of the next issue of Revitalize Ohio.
Contribute a photo that helps document what preservation looks like in Ohio right now.
Dates to remember
Entries accepted: Thursday, May 1st – Saturday, May 31st
Winner announced: Friday, June 6th
Photo Submission Requirements
Image Quality: Ensure images are sharp, well-lit, and free of distractions. No collages.
Format: JPEG or PNG format.
Resolution and Size: At least 300 DPI with a minimum physical size of 1,000 PX x 1,000 PX.
Avoid Overly Edited or Manipulated Images: While minor adjustments are acceptable, avoid
excessive editing that could distort the image’s authenticity.
Copyright: No watermarks on photos.
2025 Preservation Month Photo Contest
Use this form to enter your image in our photo contest, and remember: one entry per person.
Webinar: Fire Protection & Life Safety for Historic Preservation & Adaptive Re-Use
Wednesday, May 14th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Description
This presentation is an overview of the building codes and standards applicable to historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, including an overview of alternative approaches to building, fire, and life safety code compliance. The program also includes two case studies based on two Ohio projects as examples of two tools available to design professionals to demonstrate compliance using an alternative approach to compliance.
This webinar is registered for 1.00 AIA HSW continuing education credit.
Our Presenter
Scott Voelkerding the Director of Fire and Life Safety at Osborn. He is technically experienced in many aspects of fire protection engineering including fire, building, and Life Safety Code consulting, hazardous materials storage, due diligence studies, and various design concepts for fire protection systems, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, means of egress, and other life safety systems. Scott has managed a range of projects from engineering studies to Blank Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for fire protection services. He is member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and an Associate Member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). Scott passed the Fire Protection Engineering PE Exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and practices engineering as a full-time fire protection engineer and life safety consultant.
Webinar: Growing Global: Over a Century of the Formica Brand
Wednesday, April 30th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Description
Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Formica company has evolved alongside global changes, both reflecting and influencing consumer perceptions of homes, workplaces, and entertainment spaces. Since 1913, Formica’s modern ‘insulating’ material has adapted to technological advancements in the automotive, radio, and airplane industries, ultimately focusing on the decorative aspects that shape interiors worldwide. This presentation will provide a visual overview, decade by decade, of how the Formica brand has kept pace with societal changes over the past 12 decades.
This webinar has been approved for 1.00 AIA LU continuing education credits.
Our Presenter
With over four decades in the international design industry, Renee began her career in product design at Kohler Co. She spent the past 36 years at Formica Group, ultimately leading design development teams across five continents.
Renee directed the global efforts for the company’s 100th anniversary in 2013 and acts as the brand historian, collaborating with museums and publications. A recent project was to document all products produced and marketed by Formica Corporation for a major donation to The National Building Museum in Washington DC.
Renee holds a degree in architecture from UW-Milwaukee and a master’s in industrial design from The Ohio State University. A strong advocate for education, she serves on the Dean’s Advisory Boards at both OSU and the University of Minnesota. A member of Color Marketing Group since 1986, she expanded international activities during her Board tenure, earning the President’s Award in 2008. Renee now supports the organization as Secretary. In 2018, Interior Design magazine recognized her for a ‘Lifetime of HiPness.’
Webinar: Churches of Ohio
Wednesday, March 26th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Description
Kyle Ray has a passion for old places, particularly historic houses of worship in Ohio. He started a project called Churches of Ohio, where he drives all over our beautiful state (and then some) to photograph the abundance of stunning churches and their architectural treasures, and then share his discoveries on social media. Join Kyle for a visual presentation and discussion on some of his favorite church visits, and learn about each project, his inspiration, and goals of the program.
Our Presenter
Hi, I’m Kyle and I’m passionate about capturing the beauty and craftsmanship of every church I photograph. This project is just over a year old, and have photographed over 100 churches. I am dedicated to this project and do not plan on stopping anytime soon! The passion for architecture and history stems from around a 3 job at The Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, OH. What started as a small hobby has turned into a pretty large Project!
Webinar: Ohio Arts Council Programs & Grants
Wednesday, March 19th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join Ohio Arts Council (OAC) staff as they provide an overview of OAC grants available to organizations. Organizational Programs Coordinators Jim Szekacs, Patrick Roehrenbeck, and Brianna Dance will share resources to support the arts in your community and tips for writing a competitive grant proposal. The OAC is currently accepting grant applications, so don’t miss this opportunity to discover funding in support your organization’s work and get started now.
Our Presenters
Brianna Dance has administered public funding of the arts for the State of Ohio since 2011. She currently serves as Organizational Programs Coordinator for the central and southeast Ohio region, where she builds awareness of OAC funding opportunities, advises applicants on their grant proposals, recruits panelists and coordinates panel reviews for seven grant programs. Dance previously guided organizations through the state’s capital funding process at the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, and served in communications and exhibition roles at the OSU Urban Arts Space. Dance was a fellow of the Jefferson Center Academy for Leadership and Governance’s Next Generation of Leaders in the Arts program. She studied fine art and philosophy at The Ohio State University, where she was awarded several grants, scholarships, and a university fellowship for her artistic work and research.
Patrick Roehrenbeck is the Ohio Arts Council’s organizational program coordinator for the northeast Ohio region. He supports organizations throughout the project and operating support grant programs application process.
Prior to joining the OAC in 2021, Patrick worked in the arts non-profit sector for 20 years. His roles included executive director and development director with several visual and performing arts organizations in central Ohio. Patrick brings a unique perspective to his role at the OAC with his experience and knowledge of the funding process as a former applicant to and grantee of corporate, foundation, and public funding sources.
Jim Szekacs is the organizational grants program coordinator for the western and north central regions of Ohio at the Ohio arts Council (OAC). He oversees the administration of organizational grants and initiatives, including operating and project support grant programs. Prior to joining the OAC in 2004, Jim spent over a decade as a self-employed musician, radio show contributor, contributing music review columnist, and music instructor. Jim earned a BA from The Ohio State University where he majored in political science, graduated with honors in English, and earned a Master of Public Administration degree from The Ohio State University’s John Glenn School of Public Affairs.
Webinar: Keep Ohio Beautiful
Wednesday, February 26th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Keep Ohio Beautiful (KOB) is the leading statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Ohio communities to improve their local environments. As an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, KOB fosters partnerships with government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to create cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities. Our mission is to inspire and educate Ohioans to take action to improve and beautify their neighborhoods, with a strong focus on ending litter, improving recycling and beautifying communities.
The Grassroots Role of Our Affiliates
KOB affiliates are the backbone of our mission, serving as grassroots champions of environmental stewardship in communities across the state. These local organizations work tirelessly to implement KOB’s programs and initiatives at the community level, ensuring they address the unique needs and priorities of their areas. From planting pollinator gardens and restoring urban greenspaces to hosting large-scale litter cleanups and educational workshops, KOB affiliates embody the power of collective action. Together, we create lasting change that strengthens the environmental, social, and economic vitality of Ohio’s communities.
Michael Mennett is the Executive Director of Keep Ohio Beautiful (KOB), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing Ohio’s natural beauty. KOB fosters partnerships, promotes environmental stewardship, and engages communities in litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and beautification projects. Michael is committed to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Ohio through impactful programs, education, and community involvement. He also is Past Chair of the Keep America Beautiful’s State Leaders Council (SLC) and is the SLC Representative on the Keep America Beautiful Board of Directors.
Webinar: Building Code Basics for Historic Main Street – Part II
Thursday, January 30th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Historic buildings may have been built either prior to building codes existing or under codes that are long out of date but, that does not mean the building code doesn’t matter. A basic understanding of the current building code can help you understand what you can use the building for, what improvements may be needed, and how to make sure it is accessible to as many people as possible. These webinars will give an introduction to the building code as it relates to typical historic building types. We will also explore some of the historic origins and reasons why portions of the building code are required.
This two-part webinar is registered for 2.00 AIA HSW credits. Those wishing to earn credit for this webinar must attend both Part I and Part II.
Melinda Shah is an architect with Schooley Caldwell who has spent 20 years working on historic buildings for public and private clients. Through this experience, she has gained valuable knowledge of how to work with existing buildings to preserve them while bringing them to life for new and modern uses. She is also experienced at working with the various requirements for buildings listed on historic registries, in districts with design review, and with historic tax credits. She has worked on over 30 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Melinda received both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Cincinnati, where she had the opportunity to co-op with other design firms and gain significant experience in preservation design. In addition, she received a Certificate of Historic Preservation from the University of Cincinnati.
Amanda Fuson is an architectural designer who has been with Schooley Caldwell since in 2015. She is a graduate of Miami University and has a Master of Architecture and a Master of Historic Preservation degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her role involves architectural design and document support on various projects, including the Hoster Brewery, Newark Arcade, Lakeside, and Perry County Courthouse. Outside of work, Amanda loves to travel and see new places — she caught the travel bug when she lived in England for a year as a child. She is also obsessed with all things history (art, architectural, film, U.S., European…really, any).
Webinar: Building Code Basics for Historic Main Street – Part I
Wednesday, January 29th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Historic buildings may have been built either prior to building codes existing or under codes that are long out of date but, that does not mean the building code doesn’t matter. A basic understanding of the current building code can help you understand what you can use the building for, what improvements may be needed, and how to make sure it is accessible to as many people as possible. These webinars will give an introduction to the building code as it relates to typical historic building types. We will also explore some of the historic origins and reasons why portions of the building code are required.
This two-part webinar is registered for 2.00 AIA HSW credits. Those wishing to earn credit for this webinar must attend both Part I and Part II.
Melinda Shah is an architect with Schooley Caldwell who has spent 20 years working on historic buildings for public and private clients. Through this experience, she has gained valuable knowledge of how to work with existing buildings to preserve them while bringing them to life for new and modern uses. She is also experienced at working with the various requirements for buildings listed on historic registries, in districts with design review, and with historic tax credits. She has worked on over 30 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Melinda received both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Cincinnati, where she had the opportunity to co-op with other design firms and gain significant experience in preservation design. In addition, she received a Certificate of Historic Preservation from the University of Cincinnati.
Amanda Fuson is an architectural designer who has been with Schooley Caldwell since in 2015. She is a graduate of Miami University and has a Master of Architecture and a Master of Historic Preservation degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her role involves architectural design and document support on various projects, including the Hoster Brewery, Newark Arcade, Lakeside, and Perry County Courthouse. Outside of work, Amanda loves to travel and see new places — she caught the travel bug when she lived in England for a year as a child. She is also obsessed with all things history (art, architectural, film, U.S., European…really, any).
Webinar: America 250 in Ohio
Wednesday, January 8th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
This time next year, we will be celebrating America’s semiquincentennial (that’s 250 years) in 2026 and Ohio is all-in to celebrate “Ohio Style.” The America 250 – Ohio Commission will highlight Ohio and Ohioans’ unique contribution to the U.S. for 250+ years.
In this webinar, find out what’s planned for 2026, how your community can join in the festivities, and what grants are available.
Webinar: Wages & Benefits in the Nonprofit Sector
Wednesday, December 18th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Are you ready to tackle the challenges of wages and benefits in the nonprofit sector? Join seasoned Human Resources experts Casey Webster and John Muhlenkamp for an enlightening session tailored specifically for nonprofit organizations.
What to Expect:
✔ Explore the unique challenges nonprofits face with compensation and benefits.
✔ Discover creative strategies to design competitive wages and benefit programs.
✔ Learn about the upcoming MAJOR changes to salary thresholds (“salary minimum wage”) effective January 1, 2025, and what you need to do now to prepare.
Did you even know there’s such a thing as a salary minimum wage? Let us guide you through these changes and their potential impact on your organization.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain critical insights, ask questions, and enhance your HR practices from experts who truly understand the nonprofit world.
About Our Presenter
Casey Webster is a highly respected Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate the complexities of compensation and benefits. Known for her expertise in gamification and innovative program design, Casey excels at creating competitive, mission-driven wage and benefit solutions. Her dedication to fostering thriving workplaces has made her a trusted advisor and sought-after speaker in the HR field.
Webinar: Marketing Ohio to Attract Visitors, Residents, & Workers
Wednesday, November 20th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join Ohio Chamber of Commerce Director of Travel & Tourism Policy Matt MacLaren to learn how your organization can help promote Ohio and your community to visitors, residents, and workers.
About Our Presenter
Matt MacLaren is the Director of Travel and Tourism Policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce where he works to support, protect, and promote Ohio’s tourism industry. MacLaren is proud to be a part of the government affairs team for the Ohio Chamber which works on behalf of its over 8,000 members to make Ohio the best place in which to do business anywhere in the world.
MacLaren has spent over 20 years promoting the Ohio tourism industry. Prior to joining the Ohio Chamber in 2023, MacLaren served as Ohio Tourism Director under Governor Kasich and Governor DeWine. During his six years as Tourism Director, Ohio’s tourism industry grew to a record $53 billion industry.
Earlier in his career, MacLaren worked for the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association (OHLA). As Senior Vice President of the AHLA he helped triple the number of association members. As CEO of the OHLA he led the association to national awards for success in government affairs and for membership growth.
MacLaren is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Capital University Law School. Together with his wife Lesley they are raising their four daughters in central Ohio.
Webinar: US Small Business Administration Programs & Funds
Wednesday, July 31st – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The US Small Business Administration – The SBA’s mission is to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream by providing counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses. Join this webinar to hear from our local SBA District Office of current initiatives and programs to help your business thrive and grow!
About Our Presenter
Terry A. Bolden – Deputy District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Central and Southern Ohio District Office, manages the delivery of the agency’s financial assistance, technical assistance and government contracting activities to customers and stakeholders throughout 60 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Deputy District Director Bolden is a dedicated public servant with over 25 years of public service and is recognized as an effective collaborator, creating strategic alliances across the state of Ohio. He joined the SBA in 2020, and in 2021, he was named to the Association of Ohio Commodores. The association recognizes those who are dedicated to Ohio’s advancement in all areas contributing to the economic growth & development of the state.