HWS News
23 July 2020 Barrall '22 Lands Internship at Boston Preservation Alliance
Architectural Studies major Mackenzie Barrall ’22 is interning this summer with the Boston Preservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization that works to protect Boston’s architectural heritage.
Barrall is working under the direction of the organization’s assistant director and attending virtual meetings on various projects. Her responsibilities include research and writing about Boston Preservation Alliance protection sites and this year’s Preservation Awards which recognize projects that re-imagine old spaces and contribute to the city’s built environment.
“I’m working toward my goal of becoming a Preservation Architect in order to restore historic buildings,” says Barrall, who intends to double minor in European studies and American studies. “This internship is really helping me to see all of the work and organizations involved in saving and restoring these structures in one of the most historic cities in the country. The amount of paper work, community engagement and consultation with architects, historians and city officials is incredibly eye opening. “
Barrall credits her experience in the course “Critical Family History” taught by Associate Professor of American Studies Elizabeth Belanger with inspiring her to pursue Historic Preservation. “I learned a lot about the history of the U.S., immigration and particularly my family’s history in Boston. After taking this class and talking to Professor Belanger about the possibilities of combining American history with architecture I really made my affirmative decision that I wanted to pursue it as a career,” she says.
Belanger initially encouraged Barrall to reach out to the Boston Preservation Alliance about the possibility of an internship. Assistance from HWS’ Guaranteed Internship funding offered through the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education also allowed her to pursue the opportunity.
On campus, Barrall has participated in Koshare for the past two years and is a member of the Arts and Design Collective.