Everything You Need for Preservation Engaged 2026
Welcome to your go-to spot for all things related to the 2026 Preservation Engaged Conference. No matter if you’re coming for the Opening Reception, Thursday tours, or the full Friday conference, you’ll find everything you need here to plan your visit to Ogden.
Preservation Engaged is Utah's yearly statewide preservation conference, organized by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Preservation Utah. It brings together preservation professionals, planners, architects, Main Street leaders, local officials, and community advocates from all over the state. No matter your experience level, the conference aims to connect, inform, and inspire anyone who cares about Utah's historic places and the communities that surround them.
Have questions? For details about the conference schedule, speakers, and registration, please visit SHPO’s conference page. If you have questions about the Opening Reception, contact Preservation Utah.
Pre-Conference Tours
There are two tours on Thursday, June 11, each offered twice: from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 2 to 4 p.m. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early.
Structure & Storage: A Behind-the-Scenes Preservation Tour of Ogden Union Station. Take a special behind-the-scenes look at one of Ogden’s favorite landmarks and see how staff care for both the historic building and the museum collections inside. The tour is led by staff from the Museums at Ogden Union Station, the Utah Historical Society, and SHPO. Cost: $25. Capacity: 15.
The Pre-Construction Preview: Rehabilitating the Forest Service Building. Get an exclusive look at the Forest Service Building before construction starts. Learn about its history, funding, ownership, and what’s involved in bringing this landmark back to life. The tour is led by Giv Group, the Perpetual Housing Fund, Preservation Utah, and SHPO. Cost: $25. Capacity: 20.
Opening Reception
Thursday, June 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 2374 Grant Avenue, Ogden.
Preservation Utah is excited to host the Opening Reception for the 2026 Preservation Engaged Conference at one of Ogden’s most historic landmarks. The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd has been in use since 1875, making it the oldest building in Ogden still serving its original purpose. Designed by Detroit architect Gordon W. Lloyd in the Carpenter Gothic style, the church was built with stone from Mendon, Utah, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The church is now working on its own preservation efforts. In 2025, the congregation was one of only 30 groups nationwide to receive a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Fund for Sacred Places. This is just the second faith community in Utah to earn this honor. The $100,000 grant, matched by the congregation’s fundraising, will help repair the bell tower, masonry, stained glass windows, and stonework. It’s a fitting place to start a preservation conference.
Please note that signing up for the Opening Reception is separate from registering for the main conference.
Thank you to our Reception Sponsor!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church History Department
Friday Conference June 12
The main conference takes place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at historic Ogden High School (2828 Harrison Blvd). There are three tracks to choose from: Preservation, Main Street and Preservation Planning, and Cultural Resources. In the afternoon, you can join a walking tour of downtown Ogden. The tour is included in your conference registration, but you’ll need to sign up in advance.