The Washington, DC Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology is pleased to announce its Fall 2025 Symposium. This year's theme is Unforeseen Conditions.

Adaptability is key to the success of projects involving rehabilitation of historic sites, as Unforeseen Conditions have the ability to derail even the most carefully laid plans. These unforeseen conditions can take a variety of forms, such as concealed conditions or features, or unknown previous alterations. They can also take the form of newly discovered treasures including previously unknown historical documentation found in an archive or buried and long forgotten historical artifacts.

The methods for handling these unforeseen conditions are as varied as the conditions themselves, often requiring unique and creative solutions. This symposium will focus on unique challenges with unforeseen conditions including:

• What was the discovered unforeseen condition and in what context was it found?
• How was the unforeseen condition investigated?
• How did the unforeseen condition affect the progress or direction of the project?
• What creative solutions were developed to handle the unforeseen condition?
• How will this experience inform planning for a similar unforeseen condition in the future?

The presentations include:

• Case studies of preservation projects with significant unforeseen conditions.
• Application of new or novel technologies and techniques in the handling of unforeseen conditions.
• Compelling lessons learned and recommendations. 

The symposium will include eight (8) paper presentations, a walking tour, and an optional happy hour. Our keynote presentation will be given by Greg Galer, Executive Director of the Association for Preservation Technology International, with an introduction by former APTI President Taryn Williams.

This year's symposium is available for in-person and virtual attendees.

Registration includes full breakfast and lunch, AIA CEUs, APT DC swag, and a walking tour. A separate happy hour ticket includes drinks and light snacks following the symposium program. Please join us for both!

Continuing Education: 6.0 LU/HSW AIA CEU credits are pending approval (5.0 for the presentation sessions and 1.0 for the walking tour).

Volunteer Cleaning Day at Oak Hill Cemetery (9/6): Join APT DC on Saturday, September 6, for a volunteer cleaning event at Oak Hill Cemetery. 4.0 LU/HSW AIA CEUs pending. More information to come.

Please contact symposium@aptdc.org if you have any questions.