Featured Charity: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Recognized as the leader of the historic preservation movement in the United States, this week’s Featured Charity is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the diverse roots of America’s past.
What our organization does:
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
(NTHP), a privately funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places.
Chartered by Congress in 1949, the organization is now supported entirely by private contributions. We:
- Take direct, on-the-ground action when historic buildings and sites are threatened,
- Help build vibrant, sustainable communities,
- Engage the government on both a local and national level to bolster protections for America’s heritage, and
- Strive to create a cultural legacy as diverse as the nation itself so that all of us can take pride in our part of the American story.
Thanks to more than 300,000 members and supporters, and partnerships with hundreds of preservation organizations from coast to coast, the National Trust is recognized as the leader of the historic preservation movement in the United States.
How you can help & how your donation will make an impact:
How you can help:
There are many ways to show your support for historic preservation efforts.
You can:
- Sign up for our email alerts: to receive regular updates on crucial preservation efforts nationwide.
- Visit our online advocacy center: to sign a pledge.
- Contribute directly to one of our 30 National Treasures: to help ensure they remain for generations to come.
- Become a member: Join a group of dedicated people committed to preserving the places that tell the stories of our history. Your support as a Member is critical to ensuring our success protecting America’s heritage for future generations.
How your company can help:
We are always eager to partner with companies on initiatives supporting historic preservation. One such example is our Partners in Preservation Program with American Express, which has awarded over fifteen million dollars in grants to historic sites in seven major US cities and has engaged over a million people. More information as well as a list of our current partnerships can be found by clicking here.
Your donation's impact:
As an organization, we pride ourselves on 
our ability to raise awareness and create community-driven campaigns to save important historical sites. Our annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places spotlights important examples of 
the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. More than 230 sites have been on the list over its 25-year history, and in that time, only a handful of listed sites have been lost.
One great success story is the Gold Dome Bank in Oklahoma City. Built as a local branch of a bank in 1958, the marvelously futuristic-looking dome was an instant icon for residents of the city. In 2002, however, the bank was added to the National Trust’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list after another bank purchased the property and planned to demolish the building. The National Trust, along with local preservationists, joined together to form “Citizens for the Golden Dome” and through their efforts were able to save the building from demolition. The building has now found new life as an event and cultural center, and has gained recognition for its significance on the National Register of Historic Places.
What makes us successful & what we wish more people knew about us:
Every project that the National Trust takes
on becomes a collaborative effort between the Trust and local preservationists. This allows us to help build relationships in local communities and provide crucial support, both logistically through preservation grants and by raising awareness on a regional or even national scale. This approach has allowed us to give a greater voice to activists, who like the buildings they are trying to save, are often unable to get the attention that they deserve.
The National Trust protects and promotes its very own collection of 27 historic sites across the country as part of its effort to uncover and tell diverse stories about America’s history. These historic sites create a connection to our heritage that helps the public to understand our past, appreciate our triumphs, and learn from our mistakes.
Recently, our efforts to preserve historic places has expanded to include sites of cultural and ethnic importance through continued engagement with Latino-American preservationists in cities across America. Coupled with newly declared National Treasures like Terminal Island and the Sweet Auburn Historic District, the National Trust is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the diverse roots of America’s past.
Upcoming Events:
National Preservation Conference
October 31st to November 3rd:
- Where: Spokane, Washington
- What: This conference will bring together preservationists from across the country for a series of talks, information sessions, and celebrations of preservation efforts across the country.
Registration is currently open, so if you are interested in meeting preservation enthusiasts and professionals, and want to get involved in the cause, sign up today!
Want to learn more about the National Trust for Historic Preservation?
Web Site: www.preservationnation.org
Phone: (800) 944-6847
Mailing Address: 1785 Massachusetts Avenue NW. Washington, DC 20036
E-mail: info@savingplaces.org
Connect with the National Trust for Historic Preservation:
www.facebook.com/NationalTrustforHistoricPreservation
@PresNation
www.linkedin.com/company/national-trust-for-historic-preservation
Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation today!
You’ll be joining a group of dedicated people committed to preserving the places that tell the stories of our history. Your support as a Member is critical to ensuring our success protecting America's heritage for future generations.
