MARK Project Announces the 2026 Rural Main Street Summit

ROXBURY & MARGARETVILLE – The MARK Project is pleased to announce the 2026 Rural Main Street Summit: Where Historic Preservation Meets Sustainable Innovation, a two-day conference bringing together community leaders, preservation professionals, municipal officials, business owners, nonprofit organizations, and residents to explore innovative strategies for strengthening rural downtowns.

The Summit will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at the Roxbury Arts Center and Wednesday, September 16 at the MTC Community Room. Participants will engage in presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on preserving the character of historic Main Streets while embracing sustainable development practices.

Topics will include:

The economic impact of small Main Street buildings 

Place-making and community identity 

Historic preservation and sustainability 

Branding and marketing rural communities 

Funding opportunities for Main Street revitalization 

Climate-responsive strategies for historic buildings 

Public-private partnerships 

Design guidelines as tools for preservation and sustainability 

The conference will also feature a networking cocktail reception and a fun, interactive game of Rural Main Street Jeopardy, providing attendees with opportunities to connect and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the region.

"This Summit is designed to showcase how rural communities can honor their historic character while preparing for a resilient and sustainable future," said Peg Ellsworth, Executive Director of The MARK Project. "By bringing together experts, local leaders, and community advocates, we're creating an opportunity to share practical tools, successful projects, and innovative ideas that can be applied throughout New York's rural Main Streets."

Registration is $25 per person, which includes both conference days, lunch, and the networking event. Pre-registration is required, and scholarships are available.

To register or learn more, visit www.markproject.org.

The Rural Main Street Summit is funded in part by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, The O'Connor Foundation, and the Birdsall Project.