2026 Preservation Forward
Presented by TAWANI Property Management
March 12, 2026
Landmarks Illinois will return to The Old Post Office in Chicago for the 2026 Preservation Forward event! Every year, this event raises critical funding for our mission-driven work, bringing together more than 800 professionals and activists in development, design, construction, finance, preservation, humanities and community organizing for a one-of-a-kind evening. The event celebrates leaders joining Landmarks Illinois in creating a more relevant, effective and accessible preservation movement.
The 2026 Landmarks Illinois Influencers are:
BMO Bank N.A. represented by Darrel Hackett, CEO, BMO U.S.
The Chicago-based bank is a pivotal, purpose-driven funder for adaptive reuse projects that respond to community needs. BMO Bank provided crucial funding for the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation on Chicago’s West Side, which reopened in a previously closed and vacant Chicago public school in June 2025. Learn more.
Sunny Fischer, Board Chair, National Public Housing Museum
A philanthropic leader for 30 years, Fischer integrates social justice with community preservation. She led a broad coalition to open the National Public Housing Museum, transforming a historic former West Side housing site into a first-of-its-kind cultural institution. Learn more.
Route History Museum, represented by Co-CEOs and Co-Founders Dr. Stacy Grundy and Dr. Gina Lathan
Located in Springfield, Illinois, Route History explores the full legacy of Route 66, which celebrates its centennial in 2026. Grundy and Lathan leverage their expertise in public health to connect preservation with community well-being. Using virtual reality and innovative funding sources, they are expanding access to the diverse stories of the Mother Road. Learn more.
Tickets and sponsorships now available! Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
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