Annelise Kouns-Warburton is a historic researcher and preservation consultant specializing in Caribbean, Atlantic World, and diaspora histories. Raised between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida within a multi-generation Puerto Rican–Virgin Islander family, she developed a lifelong passion for architecture, heritage, and the stories embedded in place and family.
Annelise combines expertise in archival research, historic context documentation, genealogical research, and culturally informed preservation advisory. She has worked across public and private sectors, including federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and independent practice, providing research and guidance that bridges scholarship and applied preservation.
Her work helps architects, property owners, and communities understand and honor the histories of buildings, sites, and families, ensuring restoration and adaptive reuse are informed by cultural integrity and historical accuracy. By integrating research with collaboration among skilled trades and design professionals, she delivers solutions that respect both the story and physical fabric of heritage spaces.
Annelise continues to advance Caribbean and diaspora heritage preservation while supporting projects internationally, providing clients with historically grounded insights and actionable guidance for preserving culture and legacy.
Professional Background
MA Historic Preservation
SOI Qualified Architectural Historian
Historic Preservation Specialist – FEMA
National Park Service Experience
Founder – Heritage Matters
Heritage Matters 