The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities.
The need for the National Trust for Historic Preservation has increased since its founding in 1949. When historic buildings and neighborhoods are torn down or allowed to deteriorate, a part of our past disappears forever. When that happens, we lose history that helps us know who we are, and we lose opportunities to live and work in the kinds of interesting and attractive surroundings that older buildings can provide.
2008 11 Most Endangered Historic Places: The National Trust for Historic Preservation named the 2008 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, an annual list that highlights important examples of the nation's architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage.
2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations: Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization.
Modernism and the Recent Past: The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the effort to increase public awareness and support for preservation of our recent heritage. If we do not preserve the significant architectural, historical and cultural places built in the 20th century, our nation stands to lose a vital aspect of its heritage.
Historic Travel: For more than thirty five years, National Trust Tours has been offering life enriching programs that explore the traditions and cultures of the world, placing a special emphasis on the roles of art and architecture.
Preservation Magazine: In this issue: Montpelier Restored, Goodbye Yankee Stadium, Chicago's Marble Palace.
On November 25th, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Louisiana State University announced the selection of the Mid-City neighborhood for the site of their new hospitals. The new hospitals would needlessly destroy the historic neighborhood around Charity Hospital where residents have been rebuilding and restoring their community since Hurricane Katrina.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation views this decision as a serious error, as better alternatives that would save the neighborhood around the hospital are available.
“In selecting these sites, the VA and LSU have made a serious error. They chose the alternatives that will not only be the most time-consuming, costly, and complex, to implement, but will needlessly destroy a historic neighborhood where residents are struggling to rebuild their community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina” said Richard Moe president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The VA and LSU had other options, yet they chose the most difficult and destructive route to delivering health care to the region’s veterans and a medical teaching facility to the community. We strongly urge the VA and LSU to reconsider, and take another look at other less harmful alternatives on the table.”
While the decision has come down today, five important questions remain unanswered as to why this particular site has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Louisiana State University. “The sites selected by the VA and LSU would demolish fifteen square blocks within the Mid-City National Register Historic District, including some 165 historic structures, most of them homes, to make way for the new hospitals,” said Walter Gallas, director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s New Orleans Field Office. “This is a lose-lose situation all around.”
Farnsworth House Flood
The Gulf Coast wasn't the only area affected by Hurricane Ike. Flooding due to the heavy rainfall brought on by the weather over the weekend caused areas of the Midwest--including Plano, Illinois, home to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House--to flood. Visit the Farnsworth House website and our home page to find out the latest news on this treasure of Modern architecture. Check out this short video to view the flooding.
Gulf Coast Recovery Slideshow
In the wake of Hurricane Gustav it is important to remember that the Gulf Coast is still recovering from Katrina three years after the storm hi. Check out this new slide show highlighting some of the National Trust's efforts in the region.
Preservation Spotlight: Buffalo, NY
With names such as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frederick Law Olmstead and H.H. Richardson gracing the buildings and landscape, it's no surprise that Buffalo is one of the most culturally and architecturally rich cities in the United States. Forgotten by many outsiders due to recent economic and industrial decline--including several seasons of mediocre sports franchises--Buffalo is still a proud city, and deservingly so. Local citizens and preservationists realize the potential of a city the New York Times once called "a textbook for a course in modern American buildings," and are focusing their efforts on promoting the Queen City and preserving its distinct landmarks.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes the rich cultural heritage of Buffalo, its buildings, parks, and neighborhoods and has recently placed Buffalo's Peace Bridge Neighborhood on its 2008 list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Threatened by the development of a new bridge along with a border/transportation plaza, the neighborhoods of Front Park, Prospect Hill, and Columbus Park are in danger of being lost. For more info on this issue, check out our website and find out what you can do to help.
Benjamin Franklin House
36 Craven Street
London
WC2N 5NF
Following on from their sell out shows at the Whitechapel Art Gallery, The Red
Velvet Curtain Cult shall inhabit and haunt the Benjamin Franklin House with
site specific art, performance, film, oddities and happenings from 13 artists.
Set in a Georgian house where layers of history unravel from behind panelled
walls and deep-set fireplaces whisper ashes of deeds past, the artists will
engage with and draw inspiration from the history of the space, including its
most famous inhabitant Benjamin Franklin, he of keys and kites….
Expect spinning tops, glass armonicas, trepanning games, story telling,
ceremonial mythologies, muffled whisperings, cyclical wanderings, all serenaded
by the sound of a haunting electric cello…
Curated by Lili Spain and Sarah Grainger-Jones
www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org
Email info@redvelvetcutaincult.com
Please see www.redvelvetcurtaincult.com for details of artists and past
events
The premiere episode of "HRPS Live!" airs TODAY from 5p.m. to 7p.m.
There is NO SOFTWARE to download and it is 100% FREE!
During the first hour we'll be discussing Revolutionary War site Fort Mifflin during the first hour with 2 special guests, Tony Solletti and Nance Ratliff, who'll talk about the key role the fort played during the war that earned it the name "The fort that saved America." We'll also talk about the battle the fort is fighting today to save itself. And what's that about ghosts?!
Then, from 6p.m. to 7p.m., we will have another special guest! We'll talk about what bottle digging is, the important role it plays in historical relic and artifact recovery, some of the guest's special finds and more.
You're welcomed to call in and participate, ask questions, share your own stories and comment. The number to call is: (347)884-9162
Columbus, MS is hosting our 69th Annual Pilgrimage from March 30 through April 11. For a complete schedule of events go to www.columbus-ms.org. We would love for you to attend.
Yours in, Fraternity, Loyalty, and Charity Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Department of Maryland, Col. James D. Brady Camp no. 63 http://www. suvcw-md. org/Brady/
