HHF Partner Spotlight: Dr. Ralph T. Kam
With the start of this year's Experts at the Cathedral Lectures just a few weeks away, what better time to introduce the key person who works "behind the scenes" to make it happen. Ralph Thomas Kam, PhD, Interim-Director of the Historic Preservation Graduate Certificate Program at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has been responsible for planning the annual Lecture Series since 2019. Taking into consideration current events and historical milestones, Dr. Kam identifies a theme for the next series, then proceeds to recruit lecturers within academia and the broader community and finalize a schedule. This is not an easy task and we mahalo Dr. Kam for his gifts: his passion for sharing knowledge and ability to inspire others. Historic Hawai‘i Foundation: Please tell us about your personal connection to Historic Hawai‘i Foundation’s mission of saving places. What is your favorite historic place that holds a special place in your heart? Ralph Kam: I have taught Introduction to Historic Preservation, Elements of Style, and the Historic Preservation Field Seminar, all courses fulfilling requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation in the American Studies Department of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. During a past field seminar, the class visited Kaniakapūpū, my favorite historic place. HHF: We have been partnering with UH for our Annual Experts at the Cathedral Lunchtime Series since 1986. Can you explain how this partnership started and what you have found most valuable? RK: The partnership began long before I started curating the series in 2019. In fact, Dr. William Chapman invited me to speak in 2009 when I delivered a presentation titled, “Kaula Lei: The Lei Sellers of Maunakea Street.” I truly value the passion for historic preservation shown by the [...]