Interviews with our Board Members: Josephine T. Taranto

Josephine T. Taranto, Preservation Planner for the Somerset County Planning Division, has recently joined the Board of Trustees of Preservation New Jersey. She brings extensive knowledge of architectural history, a commitment to sustainable building practices, and enthusiasm for public outreach. Her lifelong connection to historic places continues to shape her professional mission. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Cultural and Historic Preservation and Art History from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. Her experience in both public and private sectors, combined with her academic focus on architectural history, strengthens her belief that the greenest building is the one that has already been built, a well-known principle in the preservation field.

Taranto’s interest in historic buildings began in her childhood home, a 1910 vernacular style house built by Somerville native Clifford D. Phoenix and his wife Helen. Her parents, inspired by the craftsmanship of her immigrant grandparents, filled weekends with maintenance and restoration projects. She notes that this work taught her the value of historic materials and traditional building methods. Her paternal ancestors were carpenters from the Aeolian Islands near Sicily, and their skills and pride in workmanship continue to influence her. A senior year Art History class ultimately encouraged her to pursue historic preservation; a decision she describes as the moment everything fell into place.

As an undergraduate, Taranto completed a research project titled “Historic Homes and Energy Efficiency: Creating Synonymity and Proposing Solutions.” Her work examined existing guidelines for improving energy efficiency in historic structures and identified several inconsistencies. She proposed a state level energy efficiency tax credit that would encourage property owners to weatherize historic buildings using appropriate methods that protect both the building and its character.

As Preservation Planner for the Somerset County Planning Division, Taranto directs the Somerset County Historic Preservation Grant Program, now in its twenty sixth year! Josephine has advanced the program through extensive guideline revisions, such as setting energy efficiency requirements. She also oversees the archaeological work at Lord Stirling Park, a 250th initiative, which includes an archaeological field school and collections assessment. This program was the first in New Jersey to use the Open Space Tax for historic preservation and continues to support nonprofits and government agencies in efforts such as acquisition, stabilization, archaeology, planning, restoration, and long term conservation. She considers this work a significant part of her career, noting the importance of helping local organizations preserve historic sites, their stories, and the architectural heritage of Somerset County.

Taranto believes that New Jersey is at an important point in its development. She explains that rapidly growing and diverse communities must decide whether to embrace their historic built environment or overlook it. She advocates for adaptive reuse as a way to strengthen communities and reduce landfill waste. She emphasizes that historic buildings are inherently sustainable and that preserving them benefits both cultural heritage and environmental responsibility. Taranto joined the Preservation New Jersey Board of Trustees to expand her engagement with the statewide preservation community. She values public education and outreach and hopes to help strengthen the resources available to residents and professionals throughout New Jersey. She anticipates that common challenges will continue, including regulatory complexity, development pressures, and the effects of a changing climate. However, she believes that Preservation New Jersey’s advocacy and educational programs play an essential role in addressing these issues and bringing preservation groups together.

Outside of her professional work, Taranto is an avid yogi and equestrian. She enjoys animals, art, design, and architecture, interests that closely connect with her preservation values.