National Trust for Historic Preservation

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The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, non-profit organization that was created by President Harry S. Truman's signing of a congressional charter in October of 1949. The Trust is housed in the Andrew Mellon Building, Dupont Circle, Washington D.C. and was established to aid in the preservation of historic landmarks, buildings, and neighborhoods throughout the United States. The Trust strives achieve this through various efforts, including various public policy ventures, countless hours of education and consultation, and the publication of its own magazine, Preservation.[1]

National Trust Sites in Virginia

As of 2011, the National Trust for Historic Preservation oversees 29 historic sites throughout the country, and six of these historic sites are located in the State of Virginia. They include [2] :

  • Carpenter Theater, Richmond
  • Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown
  • James Madison's Montpelier, Orange
  • Oatland's Plantation, Leesburg
  • Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria
  • Woodlawn Plantation, Alexandria

Current Efforts

  • 11 Most Endangered Sites

A listing published by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 11 Most Endangered identifies eleven locations within the United States that the Trust sees as being in danger of falling in disrepair.[3]

  • Solar Panels and Historic Preservation

This effort is meant to encourage the use of solar panels (especially on historic homes, buildings, and properties) as a viable alternative to oil-derived energy.[4]

  • General Weatherization

The Trust's most recently added[when?] goal, the General Weatherization mission aims to help homeowners and restorers of historic properties create more energy efficient spaces without jeopardizing the unique character and aesthetic appeal that all historic places share.[5]

  • Lead Safety in Historic Homes and Places

An ongoing effort to educate the public about the hazards related to lead and lead paint and the high risk of exposure to this material in older homes. Through the Lead Safety in Historic Homes and Places effort, the Trust works hand in hand with the EPA to ensure that restorative measures fall within newly set guidelines for the presence of lead in a living environment.[6]

  • Diversity in Preservation

Not all of the Trust's preservation efforts deal with old dilapidated buildings. Through its Diversity in Preservation efforts, the Trust works to preserve the traditions and values of cultures and neighborhoods and strives to bring people together to protect, enhance, and enjoy the places that matter to them.[7]

  • Heritage Tourism

The Trust defines cultural heritage tourism as traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes cultural, historic and natural resources. The Trust invests a large percentage of its efforts into promoting Heritage Tourism and aims to have others enjoy the places it strives to protect and maintain everyday.[8]

References

External Links

National Trust for Historic Preservation Home