Networks
Networks are an important element in developing professional connections, education, and communities. This is a directory of networks related to the historic trades.
Connect with Professionals
This page hosts a roster of professional networks related to the historic building trades.
Do you know a network that should be added or a network that is no longer active? Submit an entry! This helps us keep the database an up-to-date and relevant resource. As available, please include the name of the organization, contact information, website and social media, membership type, activities and publications, and trade skills practiced.
Artist-Blacksmith Assocation of North America
Biography
Mission
The Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) is a community of blacksmiths, artisans, and enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and advancing blacksmithing as both a profession and a hobby. We provide opportunities for individuals and local affiliate organizations to further their blacksmithing education, strengthen their skills, and hone their craft. Showcasing the rich and vibrant work of modern smiths while providing historical context is central to our mission as we work to increase awareness of the art and craft amongst design professionals, architects, and the public.
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Education workshops, grants, awards, conferences, exhibitions, regional affiliates, certification program.
Publications
The Anvil’s Ring, Hammer’s Blow, members-only directory, members-only access to online classes and video.
Trade Skills
Blacksmithing and metal-working
Association for Gravestone Studies
Biography
Mission
The Association for Gravestone Studies (AGS) was founded in 1977 for the purpose of furthering the study and preservation of gravestones. AGS is an international organization with an interest in gravemarkers of all periods and styles. Through its publications, conferences, workshops, and exhibits, AGS promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic gravemarkers, and encourages individuals and groups to record and preserve gravestones. At every opportunity, AGS cooperates with groups that have similar interests.
Membership
Open to individuals and businesses
Activities
Annual conference, cemetery tours, workshops, and classes
Publications
Markers: Annual Journal of the Association for Gravestone Studies, AGS Quarterly magazine, and monthly e-newsletter.
Trade Skills
Conservation and documentation of historic gravemarkers. Open to people with interest in art, history, art history, genealogy, archaeology, anthropology, conservation, and material culture.
Black Contractors United
Biography
Mission
Black Contractors United (BCU) is a Chicago based organization dedicated to advancing minority contractors across Illinois and beyond. Through training, connections, and opportunities, we’re creating a future where minority owned businesses thrive in every corner of the construction industry.
Membership
Open to solo contractors, small and large businesses.
Activities
Resources, Monthly Newsletter, Networking Events, Direct mentorship with BCU Leadership
Trade Skills
All
Black Contractors, Owners, and Executives
Biography
Mission
Welcome to BCOE; an organization supporting Black Contractors and Industry Professionals. Our mission is to promote economic growth and advancement in Black communities through education, mentoring, advocacy, and legislation. We are committed to unifying our community and providing the resources necessary for success.
Membership
Annual membership fees vary by type of membership and volume of work. We provide access to resources, industry information and education to help both new and upcoming, as well as established companies grow and thrive. Monthly meetings feature guest speakers, as well as periodic “lunch and learn” series to further grow in the industry. Opportunities to network, collaborate and grow are created, fostered and implemented by BCOE for all members.
Trade Skills
All
Build Out Alliance
Biography
Mission
Build Out Alliance’s mission is to promote and advocate for LGBTQ people serving openly and with pride in all roles within the building, design, and construction industries. Our members work towards making the entire industry more welcoming to LGBTQ professionals, leading by example in our own work environments and through partnerships with community organizations. We see an industry where inclusion is valued universally, where LGBTQ professionals have equal opportunities, can work openly with pride, and benefit from a professional network.
Membership
Has active members and representatives from across the building, design, and construction industry – from small, local architecture firms to global engineering and design firms and construction professionals.
Activities
Professional programming, outreach, advocacy, mentoring, and events.
Publications
Newsletter
Trade Skills
All
Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites
Biography
Mission
The Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites (CPMBS) is a state-wide nonprofit organization of volunteers dedicated to protecting and preserving historic Maryland cemeteries that have too often been neglected, not maintained, unprotected, and the victims of expediency and exploitation by persons seeking a short-term economic or personal goal. The Coalition recognizes that many burial sites are established through a purchased right of burial that is protected by the laws of Maryland, with such right passing on to the relatives of the deceased, and which right cannot lawfully be abridged by others at will. These beliefs led individuals to incorporate a group in 1992 that would address concerns not covered by existing laws and organizations. Our members appreciate the importance of burial sites as hallowed grounds, irreplaceable cultural resources, and sources of valuable genealogical data often found nowhere else. Membership in the Coalition is open to Marylanders and others who care about their heritage and their ancestors. Learn more by reading About Us.
Membership
Membership in the Coalition is open to all individuals, families, students, and organizations interested in the protection of burial sites in the state of Maryland.
Activities
Annual conference, cemetery clean-ups, workshops, educational and demonstration videos, and awards.
Publications
Newsletter
Trade Skills
Preservation and protection of the burial sites, cemeteries, and graveyards.
Conway Architectural Salvage and Heritage Project
Biography
Our Mission: We are dedicated to reinvesting the inherent value of historic used building materials back into the well-being of our local communities; preserving the built environment’s architectural and lived histories; and reviving traditional crafts and skills that build healthier relationships between People, Place, and Planet.
Crafting the Future
Biography
Mission
Crafting the Future works to increase access to creative enrichment by connecting BIPOC artists with opportunities that will help them thrive. We are partnering with Youth Arts Organizations across the country to provide their students with scholarships to renowned Craft schools and pre-college programs. Not only are we creating pathways into the field for BIPOC artists, but we offer continued support once these artists have arrived. This means connecting people with professional opportunities like internships and commissions that will help establish their networks and plant roots in the community.
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Networking, grants, opportunities
Trade Skills
All
DC Preservation League
Biography
Mission
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Events, tours, grants, educational programming, historic landmark nominations
Publications
Trade Skills
All
Federation of Women Contractors
Biography
Mission
The Federation of Women Contractors (FWC) is the most recognized leader among women-owned businesses in the construction and design industries. In existence since 1989, it is committed to the advancement of entrepreneurial women whose members include contractors, professional services firms and suppliers.
FWC is made up of dedicated working women in the Chicagoland area who are excited about the construction industry. FWC represents diverse trades, general construction, specialty contractors, architecture and engineering firms, landscaping, and suppliers of all kinds of goods and services representing every facet and component of construction. These women have helped shape FWC into an organization that is recognized as the largest and most influential local women’s construction and design organization in the state.
Activities
Events, Networking, Education, Advocacy
Trade Skills
All
Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)
Biography
Mission
At HACIA, we harness the power of relationships and influence to propel our members toward success. Our dynamic events and strategic partnerships provide opportunities to connect with industry leaders, access vital resources, and elevate your visibility. Become part of a thriving network of over 350 professionals across diverse construction-related industries, including general contractors, technology agencies, design services, and innovative start-ups. Our community offers unwavering support and collaboration. HACIA has developed three membership categories to accommodate all construction-related businesses: Regular, Associate and Corporate.
Activities
Educational Workshops, Workforce Training, Networking Events, Marketing Assistance
Trade Skills
All
International Concrete Repair Institute
Biography
Mission
The International Concrete Repair Institute is a 501(c)6 that provides education, certification, networking and leadership to improve the quality of repair, restoration, protection, and preservation of concrete and other material systems.
Membership
Open to individuals and businesses
Activities
Annual conference, regional chapter events, webinars
Publications
Technical Publications, Concrete Repair Bulletin
Trade Skills
Concrete
Masonry Heater Association
Biography
Mission
The Masonry Heater Association is a 501(c)6 dedicated to serving the interests of the masonry heating industry and its clients. Masonry heaters are a traditional European model of storing wood-fired heat in the masonry thermal mass that then radiates the heat.
Membership
Open to individuals and businesses
Activities
Annual conference, regional events, and certification tests
Publications
Technical Reports, member newsletter
Trade Skills
Brick and Stone Masonry, combustion science
National Association of Black Women in Construction
Biography
Mission
NABWIC is a Florida-based, non-profit organization, formed in 1991 to address the unique challenges of black women in the construction industry. It’s mission is to champion and empower black women in construction and related industries to reach their full potential as entrepreneurs, small business owners, government professionals and industry leaders who represent “THE VOICE OF BLACK WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION”. NABWIC offers members an opportunity to expand personal and business networks, maintain awareness of industry developments, improve skills and knowledge, and make a contribution to other women in the construction industry.
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Advocacy training, annual meeting, career days, networking, and events.
Publications
Monthly Newsletter
Trade Skills
All
National Association of Home Builders
Biography
Mission
The National Association of Home Builders of the United States strives to protect the American Dream of housing opportunities for all, while working to achieve professional success for its members who build communities, create jobs and strengthen our economy.
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Professional development, education, meetings and events, advocacy, and networking.
Publications
Trade Skills
All
National Barn Alliance
Biography
Website
https://www.barnalliance.org/about-the-nba/
Mission
To provide national leadership for the preservation of America’s historic barns and rural heritage through education, documentation, conservation, and networking.
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Aggregates events from regional barn alliances
Publications
The Barn Journal blog, newsletter,
Trade Skills
Barn documentation, preservation, and rehabilitation
National Preservation Partners Network
Biography
Mission
The NPPN is a membership-based a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to building and strengthening the capacity of individual partner organizations and the collective historic preservation movement through training, networking, knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and semi-annual convenings.
Membership
Organizational membership.
Activities
Hosts webinars, affinity groups, mentorships, and semi-annual conferences.
Publications
Statement Letters
Trades Skills
Trades Ally
Preservation Trades Network
Biography
Mission
The Preservation Trades Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to empowering the traditional building trades through network, good works, community, fellowship and education.
Membership
Individual, organizational, and businesses.
Activities
Hosts an annual conference and regional and remote events.
Publications
Newsletter
Trades
All
Professional Women in Construction
Biography
Mission
PWC is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to support, advance, and connect women and promote diversity within the architecture, engineering, construction, (AEC) and related industries.
Membership
Open to professional women and men, private companies and public agencies in construction and allied industries.
Activities
Events, Networking, Professional Development and Mentorship Opportunities.
Trade Skills
All
Stained Glass Association of America
Biography
Mission
The Stained Glass Association of America is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation acting as a professional trade association. By virtue of this distinction, SGAA is devoted to the improvement of business conditions in the stained glass industry. Founded as The National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers Association, now The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA) was organized in July 1903 by a group of stained glass craftsmen to promote and protect the art of architectural stained glass. During the course of the more than 115-year history of the organization, this effort has grown to include all architectural glass arts. Otto W. Heinigke wrote in 1923 that the purpose of the Association stated in its constitution is “in all lawful ways to promote the welfare of its members and bettering of trade conditions generally.” (Ornamental Glass Bulletin, June, 1923)
John G. Lloyd in Stained Glass in America lists eight points of the early aims of the Association:
- To put an end to cutthroat competition that did nothing more than encourage poor quality and discourage honest craftsmanship
- To educate the public and help churches and architects to have a better understanding of stained glass
- To promote real aesthetic values and standards for the craft
- To combat low quality and low prices of foreign competition
- To promulgate friendship and understanding among the craftsmen themselves
- To counteract the pressure of organized labor that, at the time, caused unsettled conditions in a largely unorganized craft-industry
- To establish economic standards that would end the practice of ridiculously low pricing that came about through ignorance of how to figure a job
- To raise the standards of the craft both artistically and economically
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Annual conference, learning resources, quarterly magazine.
Publications
Trade Skills
Stained Glass, Windows