From Charleston to the Grand Canyon: Using Preservation Law to Protect Historic Places and Cultural Landscapes

Event Details

"From Charleston to the Grand Canyon: Using Preservation Law to Protect Historic Places and Cultural Landscapes"

A multi-media presentation by Will Cook, Associate General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Historic preservation law plays a crucial role in in the preservation of America's heritage. Using recent examples and narratives, Will Cook will explore preservation success stories, and a few losses, through a legal lens. In keeping with this theme, Mr. Cook will survey ongoing preservation battles on issues ranging from cruise ships in Charleston and wind farms in Nantucket Sound to recent efforts to exploit the iconic Grand Canyon, Hudson River Palisades, and James River view sheds near Jamestowne, Virginia. This multi-media presentation will conclude with a discussion of preservation legal trends and suggest creative strategies for advocates to consider.

Will Cook is an associate general counsel at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Recent projects include defending the use of historic tax credits, helping stop federal agency approval of the world's largest wind farm in the middle of Nantucket Sound, securing boundaries for a traditional cultural landscape in New Mexico, helping stop inappropriate development near the Grand Canyon, and supporting historic property owners against the harmful effects of massive cruise ships in the Port of Charleston. He also serves as a board member on the Lawyers' Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation. Prior to joining the National Trust, Will taught as an assistant professor at the Charleston School of Law in the areas of property law, constitutional law, historic preservation, and art and cultural heritage law. Will has also worked at a nationally recognized law firm and for an international auction house in New York City. While in Charleston, Will served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Preservation Society. Will also teaches preservation law at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, and lectures regularly to national audiences on issues related to property, land use, and historic preservation law.