National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Award

National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Award is a prestigious honor presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to recognize outstanding achievements in historic preservation. The award is given to individuals, organizations, and projects that demonstrate exceptional commitment to preserving the nation's cultural and historic heritage, such as the Historic Tax Credit program, which has helped to revitalize historic buildings like the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. and the Cincinnati Music Hall in Ohio. The award has been presented annually since 1971 and has recognized the work of notable preservationists like Jane Jacobs, Ada Louise Huxtable, and James Marston Fitch. The award ceremony is often held in conjunction with the National Preservation Conference, which brings together preservation professionals from across the country, including representatives from the National Park Service, the General Services Administration, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Introduction

The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Award is one of the most respected honors in the field of historic preservation, recognizing the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working to protect and preserve the nation's historic resources, such as the National Register of Historic Places and the National Historic Landmark program. The award is presented in various categories, including preservation projects, education and community outreach, and lifetime achievement, and has been awarded to notable recipients like The Getty Conservation Institute, The World Monuments Fund, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United Kingdom. The award is often presented in partnership with other organizations, such as the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, and the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. The award ceremony is a highlight of the preservation community's calendar, with past events held at historic sites like the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., the New York Public Library in New York City, and the Boston Public Library in Massachusetts.

History of the Award

The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Award was established in 1971 to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in historic preservation, following the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which created the National Register of Historic Places and the National Historic Landmark program. The award was created in response to the growing awareness of the importance of preserving the nation's cultural and historic heritage, as highlighted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's founding in 1949 by Charter Members like David E. Finley Jr. and Christopher Crittenden. Over the years, the award has evolved to reflect the changing needs and priorities of the preservation community, with categories added to recognize the work of Historic Preservation Tax Credits and Sustainable Preservation initiatives, as well as the contributions of National Park Service employees and General Services Administration officials. The award has been presented to a wide range of recipients, including The National Archives and Records Administration, The Library of Congress, and The Smithsonian Institution, as well as individuals like Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, and I.M. Pei.

Selection Criteria and Process

The selection criteria for the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Award are rigorous and comprehensive, with a focus on recognizing projects and individuals that demonstrate exceptional commitment to preserving the nation's cultural and historic heritage, such as the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program and the National Register of Historic Places. The selection process involves a thorough review of nominations by a panel of experts, including representatives from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Park Service, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, as well as other organizations like the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works and the International Council on Monuments and Sites. The panel considers factors such as the significance of the project or individual, the level of community engagement and outreach, and the impact of the work on the preservation field, as well as the contributions of National Trust for Historic Preservation members and Preservation Action Council supporters. The award is often presented in conjunction with other preservation honors, such as the National Preservation Honor Award and the Trustees' Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, which are also presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Notable Recipients

The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Award has been presented to a wide range of notable recipients, including The White House, The United States Capitol, and The National Mall, as well as individuals like Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, and I.M. Pei. Other notable recipients include The National Archives and Records Administration, The Library of Congress, and The Smithsonian Institution, as well as organizations like The Getty Conservation Institute, The World Monuments Fund, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United Kingdom. The award has also recognized the work of preservationists like Jane Jacobs, Ada Louise Huxtable, and James Marston Fitch, as well as the contributions of National Park Service employees and General Services Administration officials, such as Richard Moe and Donna Shalala. The award has been presented in partnership with other organizations, such as the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, and the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.

Impact and Significance

The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Award has had a significant impact on the preservation community, recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in historic preservation and promoting the importance of preserving the nation's cultural and historic heritage, as highlighted by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the National Register of Historic Places. The award has helped to raise awareness of the importance of preservation and has inspired a new generation of preservationists, including National Trust for Historic Preservation members and Preservation Action Council supporters. The award has also recognized the contributions of National Park Service employees and General Services Administration officials, as well as the work of organizations like The Getty Conservation Institute, The World Monuments Fund, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United Kingdom. The award ceremony is a highlight of the preservation community's calendar, with past events held at historic sites like the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., the New York Public Library in New York City, and the Boston Public Library in Massachusetts, and has been attended by notable figures like Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Category:Historic preservation awards