This session will provide an analysis of significant improvements to the 2026 edition of NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems. This will include but not limited to inspection intervals, new and revised definitions, surge protection, lightning risk assessment, and recommendations for critical facilities. The impact of these improvements will be explored as thunderstorm activity and the density of buildings and structures in the built environment increases around the world. The history of lightning protection systems dating back to Ben Franklin and the evolution of protective techniques over the last two centuries will also be discussed. The session will also highlight other codes and standards that reference NFPA 780 and where lightning protection systems are required at the federal, state, and local levels.