Brent Leggs joins UMD’s Historic Preservation program this fall as an assistant clinical professor, bringing 15 years of experience in African-American heritage preservation with the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) and an eclectic background in preservation, finance and real estate. Brent initially joined HISP in spring 2015 as a lecturer, teaching the Social and Ethical Issues in Preservation course. He is a Harvard Loeb Fellow and received his M.H.P. and M.B.A. from the University of Kentucky.
As a Senior Field Officer for NTHP, Brent specializes in African American and under-represented historic sites. He has worked extensively with NTHP’s “National Treasures Campaign,” managing sites throughout the northeast, including Joe Frazier’s Gym in Philadelphia and Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, N.J., one of the few remaining ballfields associated with Negro League baseball. Brent also works with municipalities throughout the country to develop strategies that engage communities and preserve their cultural assets. His book, Preserving African-American Historic Places, is a primer for protecting the many African-American historic landmarks and structures found throughout the United States. Using his Masters in Historic Preservation and Masters in Business Administration, with a focus in finance and real estate, Brent examines alternative uses for historic sites that both preserve and enhance community, a departure from the traditional “museum” model.
“As we celebrate this year the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, the preservation movement seeks new ideas and solutions for the next 50 years,” said Leggs. “This long-view must include the re-evaluation of often outdated and unsustainable business models that are solely dependent on philanthropic support. Moving forward, the development of culture-based businesses that integrate both interpretive and commercial activities will set the new standard for sustainable preservation.”
In addition to his work in the classroom, Brent will oversee two key initiatives for the program. This fall, he kicks off a year-long project for the National Park Service-National Capital Region (NPS-NCR) that tells the C & O Canal story from a lesser-known perspective, that of the immigrants, African Americans and women who built it and worked along its banks. The project is part of the NPS-NCR’s initiative to tell a more inclusive story of the canal, one that recognizes its diverse history. In addition, Brent is assisting in the school’s ongoing work for a more diverse, inclusive program; not only by engaging underserved groups and sites, but also by attracting more people of color to the profession.
“We are very excited to have Brent share his talent as both a professional and an educator with our community here at Maryland,” said Don Linebaugh, director of UMD’s Historic Preservation program. “Brent’s background, skill and insight make him the perfect candidate to lead our students in the social, financial and ethical issues of preservation, and lead our school in changing the face of preservation in practice.”