2025 APT DC Symposium – Call for Submissions

Adaptability is key to the success of projects involving 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 invites preservation professionals to share their experiences with unforeseen conditions and consider the following:

• 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?

APT DC is seeking submission of abstracts related to the following three topics:

• Case studies of preservation projects with significant unforeseen conditions.
• Application of new or novel technologies and techniques in the handling of unforeseen conditions.
• Panel discussion featuring multiple team members on how collaborations helped overcome unforeseen conditions.

Highest consideration will be given to abstracts that:

• Present compelling ideas, insights, principles, and lessons applicable to other projects
• Present novel analyses or ideas
• Offer stimulating thought or encourage dialogue and debate
• Contain original research
• Make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in addressing unforeseen conditions
• Represent sites in the APT DC Region (Washington, DC; Virginia; Maryland; West Virginia; Sussex County, DE)

Proposals for presentations ranging from 30 to 60 minutes will be accepted.

Note that depending on the number of submissions selected to present at the symposium, presentations submitted at longer than 30 minutes may be asked to reduce their time.

Furthermore, APT DC is planning to continue their Tech Talk series in 2025 and some presentations not selected for the symposium may be asked to instead give a virtual presentation as part of that series.

Deadline for Submissions: June 30, 2025