Engaging Rochester: Discussion Sessions and Workshop In-Person
Join us for a two-day symposium honoring the life and legacy of Gene DePrez, civic innovator and visionary founder of Rochester’s Urbanarium.
Day Two of this two-day symposium will be held at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County and features panel discussions exploring civic engagement and an action-oriented workshop.
Schedule:
10:00-10:15 am - Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:15-11:30 am - Session 1: Design for a Greater Rochester: Past, Present, and Future
As Rochester celebrates the 50th anniversary of its iconic City mark, communications professionals, graphic designers, and historians reflect on the role design plays in encouraging citizen engagement with government.
11:30-11:45 am - Break
11:45 am-1:00 pm - Session 2: Centering Citizens: Democratizing City Planning
Residents, city officials, and historians discuss the role of neighborhood input in shaping city planning.
1:00-1:45 pm - Lunch (included with registration)
2:00-4:00 pm - Build a Better Rochester: Workshop on Advocating for Inclusive Housing
This interactive workshop builds on the legacy of Gene DePrez's work and his 1969 film, Think About It, empowering participants to advocate effectively for more inclusive and ample housing options across our city and region.
Presented by RIT Archives, RIT Department of History, Rochester History (published by RIT Press), and the Office of Rochester & Monroe County History.
The Central Library is accessible to people with disabilities. To request specific accommodations, call 585-428-8304 ten days prior to the program.
- Date:
- Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Time:
- 10:00am - 4:30pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Central - Kate Gleason Auditorium
- Library:
- Central Library
- Audience:
- Adults
- Categories:
- Department - Local History & Genealogy Community Diversity, Equity and Inclusion History Local History