Sarah Baker Builds a Future in Historic Preservation Through Hands-On Learning

BRISTOL, R.I. – Traveling from Chicago to pursue a specialized academic path, senior Sarah Baker has embraced opportunities in historic preservation while building a multidisciplinary foundation through her studies and hands-on experience at Roger Williams University.

Drawn to one of the few undergraduate preservation programs in the country, Baker chose RWU for its strong integration of Preservation Studies with complementary disciplines – and the added appeal of its coastal New England setting.

Majoring in Preservation Studies with a minor in Urban Studies, Baker has found a balance between close-knit classroom experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration. Smaller, specialized preservation courses have allowed her to build strong relationships with peers and faculty, while shared classes with architecture and planning students have expanded her academic network. Her coursework spans architectural history, preservation theory, and hands-on practices such as site documentation and conditions assessment.

Her interest in preservation began in high school with the Architecture, Construction, Engineering (ACE) Mentorship Program, a national initiative focused on pairing high school students with industry professionals. Through that experience, she worked on comprehensive design projects and later earned an internship with a Chicago-based organization connected to the Chicago Architecture Biennial. There, she was introduced to adaptive reuse — the process of repurposing historic buildings in ways that honor their history while serving modern community needs. Growing up in Chicago further shaped her passion, exposing her to the importance of preserving culturally significant spaces in urban environments.

At RWU, Baker expanded that interest by adding a minor in Urban Studies, seeking a deeper understanding of how cities function socially and spatially. She plans to continue her education through a combined master’s program in Preservation Practices while also pursuing an Urban and Regional Planning certificate, allowing her to build on both areas in an accelerated format.

Her academic experience has been complemented by hands-on work beyond campus. Through a historic preservation internship with the Jekyll Island Authority in Georgia, Baker gained direct experience maintaining and restoring buildings within a National Historic Landmark District.

“Jekyll Island is like a mini-Newport,” she said. “It has Gilded Age architecture that’s similar to what I’ve been studying, but in a region where that style isn’t as common.”

Working alongside fellow interns and a mentor, Baker contributed to maintenance and restoration efforts across the island’s historic properties, developing skills in paint matching, woodwork, window repair, and reconstructing historic finishes.

“It was a lot of the tactile skills that go beyond the theoretical side of my education,” she said. “It helped me better understand how to apply what I’m learning when making recommendations or conducting research.”

On campus, Baker has also taken on the role of statistics tutor, an experience that challenged her in unexpected ways.

“I was surprised to be recommended,” she said. “Math isn’t usually my favorite, but I had a great professor who made the material really accessible.”

Through tutoring, she developed a stronger appreciation for different learning styles and the importance of adapting her approach to support others.

“I’ve learned how to explain things in different ways,” she said. “It’s really about understanding how people learn and helping them get there.”

As she prepares to enter the Preservation Practices Graduate Program next fall at RWU, Baker is focused on continuing to build the skills and perspective that will shape her work in historic preservation.

Her advice to incoming students is simple: take advantage of the environment around you.

“Especially coming from the Midwest, I’d say make the most of the location and the campus,” she said. “Go for a walk, spend time outside, explore Bristol and Rhode Island. There are so many incredible places nearby.”