The MARK Project is pleased to announce the 2026 Rural Main Street Summit: Where Historic Preservation Meets Sustainable Innovation, a two-day conference bringing together community leaders, preservation professionals, municipal officials, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and residents to explore innovative strategies for strengthening rural downtowns.
The Summit will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the Roxbury Arts Center and Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the MTC Community Room. Participants will engage in presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on preserving the character of historic Main Streets while embracing sustainable development practices.
Topics will include: The economic impact of small Main Street buildings; Place-making and community identity; Historic preservation and sustainability; Branding and marketing rural communities; Funding opportunities for Main Street revitalization; Climate-responsive strategies for historic buildings; Public-private partnerships; Design guidelines as tools for preservation and sustainability.
The conference will also feature a networking cocktail reception and a fun, interactive game of Rural Main Street Jeopardy, providing attendees with opportunities to connect and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the region.
Registration is $25 per person, which includes both conference days, lunch, and the networking event. Pre-registration is required, and scholarships are available.
To register or learn more, visit www.markproject.org
