Art conservation and architectural preservation are complimentary professions with the same goal - the protection and preservation of our cultural heritage. The concerns for both professions include the strength, appearance, and stability of a variety of materials and the ways in which they interact with the environment. There is a great deal conservators can learn from preservationists, much of which will be of value in helping the professions work together. Conservators can offer preservationists their knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of building materials; the processes, agents, and treatments of materials deterioration; and the scientific equipment or services necessary for research, testing and identification of building materials. Following a brief introduction to the history of preservation, three examples of the ways in which conservators can contribute to preservation will be presented. The first is an environmental monitoring and assessment survey at the Rockwood Museum, an historic house in Wilmington, Delaware. The second involves an analysis of structural materials used in two black powder roll mills at the Hagley Museum in Wilmington, Delaware. The third is a study of architectural paint from historic paint sample books and an historic room at the Winterthur Museum. The last two examples are drawn from research projects completed during my second year in the Art Conservation Program at Winterthur/University of Delaware.