National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Trust for Historic Preservation. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage sites across the United States. Chartered by Congress in 1949, it works to protect America's diverse cultural heritage through direct stewardship, advocacy, and public education. The organization operates from its headquarters in the Watergate Office Building in Washington, D.C., and its work is supported by a network of members, donors, and partner organizations.

History

The organization was established through the National Historic Preservation Act of 1949, signed by President Harry S. Truman, following advocacy from leaders like David E. Finley Jr., the first director of the National Gallery of Art. Its creation was influenced by earlier preservation successes, such as the rescue of George Washington's Mount Vernon and the White House. In its early decades, the Trust focused on acquiring significant properties, with its first being the 1953 purchase of the Bodmer Oak in New Orleans. A major turning point came with the passage of the pivotal National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which established the National Register of Historic Places and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, fundamentally shaping the modern preservation movement. Throughout the late 20th century, the Trust expanded its mission under leaders like J. Jackson Walter to address urban renewal threats and the preservation of modern architecture, as seen in its efforts for Pennsylvania Station and the Lever House.

Organization and governance

The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of prominent individuals from fields such as law, business, architecture, and philanthropy. Day-to-day operations are led by a President and CEO, a position held since 2022 by Carol Quillen, former president of Davidson College. The Trust's work is implemented through a professional staff organized into divisions focusing on preservation programs, public policy, and stewardship. It maintains a strong partnership with a nationwide network of statewide and local preservation organizations, as well as federal agencies like the National Park Service. Key advisory bodies include the Historic Sites Committee, which recommends properties for designation as National Historic Landmarks.

Programs and initiatives

Its flagship program is the National Trust Historic Sites portfolio, which includes directly stewarded properties like Brucemore in Cedar Rapids and Drayton Hall near Charleston. The National Treasures campaign identifies and mobilizes resources to protect endangered landmarks, such as the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and the Miami Marine Stadium in Florida. The Preservation Leadership Forum offers training and resources for professionals, while the annual National Preservation Conference gathers experts from across the field. The Trust also administers grant programs, including the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, and publishes the magazine Preservation.

Properties and sites

The organization owns and operates a diverse collection of historic sites, each telling a unique story of American history. These include iconic homes like Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater in Pennsylvania and the Lyndhurst estate in Tarrytown. Cultural landscapes are represented by places such as the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in Alabama and the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. The portfolio also encompasses working farms like the Cliveden estate and significant urban properties, including the Decatur House on Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.. Many of these sites are designated as National Historic Landmarks or are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Advocacy and public policy

The organization actively advocates for preservation-friendly policies at the federal, state, and local levels. It lobbies Congress to strengthen laws like the Federal Historic Tax Credit and the Save America's Treasures grant program. The Trust frequently engages with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and files legal briefs in significant cases, such as those concerning the Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago. Its Public Lands Initiative works to protect cultural resources within units of the National Park System, and it often partners with entities like the World Monuments Fund on international issues affecting U.S. heritage.

Financials and funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it relies on a mix of funding sources, including membership dues, major gifts from individuals and foundations, and revenue from its historic site operations. Significant philanthropic support has come from institutions like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Getty Foundation. The organization also benefits from federal partnerships and grants administered through the National Park Service. Its financial activities, including endowment management and annual budgets, are overseen by the Board of Trustees and are detailed in publicly available IRS Form 990 filings. Proceeds from events like the National Preservation Awards dinner also contribute to its operating funds. Category:Historic preservation organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Organizations established in 1949