The Forestry Building (formerly The Bombay Burmah Trading Co.) in Phrae Province was unfortunately demolished due to a lack of awareness and adequate knowledge of its heritage significance. The building was one of the oldest monuments relating to the history of the forest industry in Phrae Province, Thailand and had historical bonds with the local community. The Fine Arts Department of Thailand initiated a new research project to help revive the historic building and regain people’s confidence. The project consisted of archaeological excavation at the site of the old forestry building, and architectural analyses of the wooden structural debris recovered in order to understand its original construction and design. The project demonstrated that the building was initially constructed as the office for the Royal Forest Department of Siam, in 1900. The office would have served to control and manage the logging business operated by foreign companies in Phrae Province. This paper highlights the importance of integrating academic research with public participation in archaeological projects in order to aid in the conservation of important heritage, and preserve the collective historical memories of local communities.