National Trust for Historic Preservation

What a wonderful first day of Past Forward 2024 in New Orleans! It's such a special energy when over 1,100 preservationists from across the country gather together. From the Opening Session and National Awards Ceremony to inspirational and educational sessions and workshops to Ask Me Anything presentations, praline breaks, and networking in The Salon, the day went by way too fast! Attendees on field studies explored the history of greater New Orleans and we had the honor of hearing from Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, and Gayle Benson, philanthropist and owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, inside the stunning Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France one of the oldest cathedrals in continuous use in the United States. Leaving the Cathedral, guests were greeted by the award-winning Edna Karr Marching Band on Jackson Square before spending the evening wandering the historic Presbytère and Cabildo buildings that flank the Cathedral. We can't think of a better day to kick off the National Trust's 75th anniversary celebration!! Image 1, 6 & 7: Inside the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France. Image 2 & 3: The award-winning Edna Karr marching band performs on Jackson Square. Image 4: National Trust CEO and President Carol Quillen kicks off the organization’s 75th anniversary celebration with a packed house during the Opening Session and National Awards Ceremony! Image 5 & 8: Local artists and performers entertained at the evening reception. Image 9: Mardi Gras exhibition at Louisana State Museums.

Taylor Swift is a hard act to follow but we’re up for the challenge - it’s Day 1 of PastFroward 2024 in New Orleans! The city has opened its doors to over 1,000 preservationists and we can’t wait to dig into the 34 educational sessions, four keynote events, five in-depth workshops, 20 Field Studies, and two evening receptions in the French Quarter this week. We’re also thrilled to welcome 85 participants for the Diversity Scholarship Program. A huge thanks our PastForward 2024 partners including the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund, The 1772 Foundation, Inc., James Hardie, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.     We look forward to the rest of the conference!

"New York has the red carpet; Washington has the world stage." Elizabeth Karcher, Executive Director of the Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC, is on a mission to celebrate the city's unique position as the intersection of world diplomacy. Woodrow and Edith Wilson moved into the home when they retired from the White House to private life in 1921. Edith was the first First Lady to travel internationally during an American president’s term in office. She recognized that she represented the United States among other world leaders and set a standard for dressing for the international and diplomatic stage. We asked Karcher a few questions about her interest in historic sites, and what at the Wilson House brings her joy and excitement: https://ow.ly/qgGS50TO6Pp

Happy 75th Birthday to the National Trust! Once upon a time in 1949, back when a bottle of Coca-Cola was five cents, the first VW Beetle arrived in the U.S., and the most popular holiday gifts were Silly Putty and Candy Land, Congress chartered the National Trust for Historic Preservation. That action on October 26, 1949 initiated a 75-year (and going!) journey of protecting America’s historic places. As we commemorate this milestone throughout the year, join us in celebrating the power of places and their profound impact on our lives. In lieu of what surely would be an outpouring of gifts to mark our semisesquicentennial anniversary, we would love for you to tell us about a place that is important to you!: https://ow.ly/sFpH50TSTjA

We're excited to see the Preserving Black Churches video series, produced in collaboration with Creative Theory Agency for the National Trust's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, is a finalist for the Shorty Impact Awards! Learn more and vote here: https://ow.ly/760o50TSCKo

The Fall 2024 issue of Preservation magazine is here and it’s our special 75th anniversary edition! If you’re a National Trust member, check your mailbox for the magazine soon! Become a member to subscribe! Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gAT9sC2e

Ten years ago, HOPE Crew (Hands-On Preservation Experience) held its first preservation project, connecting young people to historic preservation work. Since then, projects have been held across the country, addressing preservation needs, helping students develop valuable skills, and adapting to changes in the field. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, we reconnected with past HOPE Crew participants to see how the program impacted their academic and professional careers: https://ow.ly/RvqU50TN4JX

Have you ever entered an empty room yet inexplicable felt that you were not alone? Or held an object and sensed that it possessed a perceptible energy? These otherworldly phenomena can occur year-round, but during the fall season, they often become heightened. Explore your curiosity about the great beyond through objects and stories from five National Trust Historic Sites and Historic Artists' Homes and Studios: https://ow.ly/Oc7z50TNTvi

Today the National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust, announces its 2024 grantees! This year, twenty-four historically significant faith communities were selected from nearly 500 applications. This prestigious program provides capital grants and hands-on technical assistance to congregations undertaking important preservation projects. From North Dakota to New Mexico, Alaska to Puerto Rico this year's recipients serve their communities as gathering places, art spaces, and safe havens. View the full list of grantees: https://ow.ly/h3l550TO5VB Pictured: St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish (Michigan City, IN)

Managing streetscape construction can be challenging for any downtown or historic district. A successful experience requires careful planning, open communication, and a positive attitude. By following these best practices, from our colleagues at Main Street America, communities can navigate construction challenges and emerge stronger with a revitalized downtown streetscape that benefits businesses and residents alike: https://ow.ly/EU3G50TMEqV