Discussion - The Future Of The Past: European Historic Houses in the Modern Era. (Part of Open House Dublin)

(Altidore Castle by George Gossip)

A panel discussion, organised by Historic Houses of Ireland, exploring how historic houses in Europe are navigating the complex interplay of preservation, innovation, financial sustainability, and public engagement in the 21st century.

Panellists 

 Rodolphe de Looz‑Corswarem has held prominent leadership roles in European heritage organizations. He served as Executive President of the European Historic Houses Association from 2010 to 2018 and now holds the title of Honorary President, contributing to strategy and governance. He has also been involved in EU affairs as a declared representative for advocacy in the cultural heritage sector. Drawing on both aristocratic heritage and corporate leadership experience, he bridges traditional nobility and modern organizational governance.

 Sarah Roller is Director of Policy & Public Affairs at Historic Houses. Before joining Historic Houses in early 2022, she worked in various history and heritage sector roles, including in communications, digital media and collections/curation work. Sarah was named one of HistoryExtra's '30 Under 30' in 2024. She is a trustee of the Heritage Education Trust and holds an MPhil in Public History & Cultural Heritage from Trinity College Dublin. 

 Nicoline Schaub holds a master’s degree from the University of Zurich in art history, theory and history of photography and business administration. After working as press officer and art director of a Swiss art and music festival, she founded her studio for cultural management and design in 2019. She is on the board of a Swiss artists’ foundation, serves on the Central Board and as former NextGen President of Domus Antiqua Helvetica, and is Vice-President and NextGen President of European Historic Houses.

 Thomas Emmet works as the Events and External Relations Officer for Historic Houses of Ireland. He studied History in Trinity College Dublin, the first named member of his family since the 1803 Rebellion leader Robert Emmet.. He has worked with festivals and in diverse political campaigns from referendums to Seanad, local and general elections. He has a deep passion for the preservation of heritage, making culture widely accessible and progressing social justice causes. He lives in Altidore Castle, a historic house open to the public. 

To book your free place visit the Open House Dublin, 11-19 October  

Booking opens 16 September.