The National Park Service and Alliance of National Heritage Areas Receive the National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation
LOUISVILLE, KY. (Sept. 30, 2004) – Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) presented the National Park Service and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas with its prestigious National Trust/ACHP Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation. The two awardees were among 22 national award winners honored by the National Trust at its week-long 2004 National Preservation Conference in Louisville, Ky.
The National Park Service and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas - a national nonprofit organization that represents and enhances the efforts of 24 national heritage areas - are pioneers in recognizing that preserving a region’s heritage means much more than saving a few historic buildings. Over the past three years, these two organizations have forged a very successful partnership that is a model for collaboration between federal and nonprofit entities.
Working together they have established the Heritage Development Institute to provide assistance and training to existing and potential heritage areas and sponsored the successful first International Heritage Development Conference in Pittsburgh in June 2003. The heritage areas strategy is also a powerful tool for connecting national parks with other historic sites, leveraging resources, and promoting cooperative efforts to celebrate the cultural heritage and sense of place of an entire region. In the 20 years since the designation of the first National Heritage Area (NHA), the Illinois and Michigan Canal corridor, the power of using partnerships to conserve and promote heritage has led to an increase in the number of NHAs to two dozen. The rising interest in heritage areas has made the partnership between the Alliance and the National Park Service more important and relevant than ever.
“The partnership between the National Park Service and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas is undoubtedly one of the best examples of how cooperation and collaboration can bring history to life,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “These two groups have shown innovation through their efforts to preserve many celebrated and unique cultural and historic assets. They have ensured that these special places will live on to become a part of our nation’s future instead of relegated to pages in a history book.”
In Pennsylvania, Steamtown National Historic Site and the Lackawanna Heritage Authority joined forces to develop a series of steam-train excursions that carry visitors to fairs and festivals in communities along a historic rail line. In Louisiana, Cane River Creole National Historical Park provides staff to assist in consultation and hands-on preservation activities at historic sites throughout the Cane River National Heritage Area. Essex National Heritage Area in Massachusetts has partnered with ten visitors’ centers and 18 National Park Service sites to produce publications, a joint promotional campaign, and a website designed to give visitors easier access to the region’s historic resources. Thanks to this vigorous and far-sighted partnership, it’s easier than ever to recognize and enjoy the multifaceted cultural heritage that gives each part of our nation a unique story to tell.
“Communities and regions can best benefit from the surge in heritage tourism by creative collaborations that bundle opportunities for travelers across the region,” said John L. Nau, III, ACHP Chairman. “The partnership between the National Park Service and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas exemplifies a winning strategy to preserve and share heritage assets.”
The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. As a part of the Restore America: A Salute to Preservation partnership between the National Trust and Home & Garden Television, HGTV is the presenting sponsor of this year’s awards ceremony.
Media interested in learning more about the National Trust’s 2004 National Preservation Award Winners or in attending future conference events should contact the National Trust Communications Office at 202-588-6141. Registration is free to the media, as are the Awards Ceremony, field sessions, educational sessions, and special events. For more information and images of the 2004 National Preservation Award winners, visit www.nationaltrust.org.
THE 2004 NATIONAL PRESERVATION AWARD WINNERS:
Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award: Nancy N. Campbell, Williamsburg, Va. – A dedicated preservationist, Campbell has devoted half of her life to protecting America’s historic treasures. She has served as a volunteer docent with a local historical society in Connecticut a founding member and president of the Greater Middletown Preservation Trust, a founding member of a Landmarks Advisory Board at Wesleyan University, chairman of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, chairman of the Preservation League of New York State and in 1996 was elected the first woman chairman of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She was also instrumental in leading the National Trust’s successful Campaign for America’s Historic Places, a comprehensive fundraising campaign that raised over $135 million to enable the Trust to make the transition to reliance on private-sector funding.
John H. Chafee Trustees’ Award For Outstanding Achievement In Public Policy: Preservation Action, Washington, D.C. – With a national grassroots network of advocates in every state, Preservation Action plays a powerful leadership role in lobbying for federal laws and policies that aid in preservation efforts across America. From the first tax incentive to rehabilitate historic buildings in 1976, and later the passage of the groundbreaking ISTEA law on preservation-friendly transportation policy in the 1990s, Preservation Action has proved that even with limited staff and financial resources, dedicated people can accomplish great things.
National Trust/ACHP Award For Federal Partnerships In Historic Preservation: The National Park Service and Alliance of National Heritage Areas – Since the designation of the first National Heritage Area (NHA) 20 years ago, the partnership between the National Park Service and the Alliance of National Heritage Areas has helped increase the number of NHAs to two dozen. The successful partnership has not only served as a model for collaboration between federal and nonprofit organizations, it has helped make more Americans aware of our diverse cultural heritage through such programs as the Heritage Development Institute and by sponsoring the first International Heritage Development Conference in 2003.
National Trust/HUD Secretary’s Award For Excellence In Historic Preservation: The Reviviendo Family Housing project, Lawrence, Mass.- This innovative $3.3 million revitalization project combined green building technology and affordable housing with historic preservation to transform three abandoned, historic houses and a vacant parking lot into 17 units of affordable, high-quality housing for Lawrence families. With the help of Lawrence Community Works, the project’s nonprofit developer, the Reviviendo project turned the rundown city of Lawrence into a hopeful community.
Trustee Emeritus Award For Excellence In The Stewardship Of Historic Sites: Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, Minn. – In 1996, the Minnesota Historical Society acquired Jeffers Petroglyphs, an 80-acre ancient site in the prairies of southern Minnesota that boasts more than 2,000 historic rock carvings dating back 5,000 years. With the help of volunteers, the historical society has transformed the site into a sacred place for American Indian people and an educational oasis for visitors with hands-on activities explaining the culture, creation and meaning of the carvings and their importance.
Trustees’ Award For Organizational Excellence: Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Washington, D.C. – Since 1955, the Capitol Hill Restoration Society has played a key role in saving some of Washington, D.C.’s most distinctive landmarks. Known as the “guardians of Capitol Hill,” the organization has led the effort for preservation and community revitalization in the Capital Hill Historic District through its Preservation Café series, the Annual House and Garden Tour, planning and zoning efforts and numerous legal actions, including the residential parking permit system and the new demolition-by-neglect ordinance.
THE 2004 NATIONAL PRESERVATION HONOR AWARD WINNERS:
American Express, Nationwide –American Express was the founding sponsor of the World Monuments Watch, a program of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) founded in 1995 that helps to preserve historic monuments worldwide. The $10 million/ten-year corporate partnership between American Express and WMF raises awareness about endangered historic sites and supports their preservation. Every other year, WMF issues the World Monuments Watch list of 100 Most Endangered Sites and American Express awards grants to these historic, artistic and architectural gems.
Central Library of Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo. – In 2002, a $50.2 million renovation of the vacant First National Bank building provided the perfect home for the Central Library in Kansas City. The 190,000 square foot space not only serves as a first-class library, but also houses a café, theater, gallery and rooftop garden. The library has been a catalyst for the revival of the surrounding urban landscape.
Chicago Architecture Foundation, Chicago, Ill. - In an effort to expand its existing educational programs, the Chicago Architecture Foundation published Schoolyards to Skylines: Teaching with Chicago’s Amazing Architecture in 2002. The innovative collection of 47 units weaves architectural heritage and historic preservation into all aspects of K-8th grade core academic curriculum. More than 650 copies are being used in schools throughout Illinois, the nation and in 5 foreign countries.
Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, San Francisco, Calif. – The Chinese Historical Society of America purchased the historic Julia Morgan designed Chinatown YMCA in 1996 to house its new museum and learning center after earthquake damage left it sitting dormant for 14 years. With the help of Barcelon & Jang Architects, the $1.4 million restoration of the building was completed in 2001. Now known as the “Lantern on the Hill,” the new museum incorporates much of the building’s original character and serves as a hub for Chinese culture and history.
The City of Natchez, Natchez, Miss. – When centuries of instability from eroding bluffs began to threaten Natchez’s historic buildings and residents, the City embarked on a multi-million-dollar bluff stabilization and preservation effort; the first of its kind. Completed in 2002, this innovative project has ensured the preservation of Natchez’s beloved historic mansions.
Cornerstones Community Partnerships, Santa Fe, N.M. – For 20 years, this nonprofit group has helped more than 300 communities across the Southwest, U.S. preserve the unique heritage of the region by providing education on traditional building techniques and the means for community members to come together. Cornerstones has been a catalyst for community revitalization and economic development, and with the help of volunteers, has succeeded in preserving and restoring some of the world’s most significant sites.
Emerson College, Boston, Mass. – Emerson College purchased the Majestic Theatre in 1983, envisioning a 21st century theatre in the 19th century landmark. After a 20-year $14.8 million massive restoration enabled by a generous gift from the Cutler family, the theatre reopened its doors in May, 2003 as the Cutler Majestic Theatre and now serves the college and Boston as an anchor for the surrounding community.
Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn. – In 1998, Fisk University began a $6.5 million restoration and renovation effort to bring Cravath Hall, the University’s library, back to its original glory. Completed in 2003, the building currently houses administrative offices and several original structural details, including Aaron Douglas Harlem Renaissance murals, which span the interior walls and tell the story of the African-American journey from Africa to the New World.
The Founders of Main Street – In the 1970s, Mary Means, Scott Gerloff, Tom Moriarity and Clark Schoettle revolutionized community and commercial revitalization with a demonstration project to explore revitalization in historic downtowns. In 1980, the overwhelmingly successful project went nationwide. Using the “four-point approach” of organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring, the Main Street Program has since helped to revitalize almost 1,800 communities and changed the face of America’s downtowns.
The Hawkeye Center, Red Lodge, Mont. – Since 1908, the grain elevator in Red Lodge has bolstered the town’s economy and served as a beloved landmark. So, when it was threatened by commercial construction and demolition, community members, led by Katherine Loo, came to its rescue. Buying the 67-foot-tall structure, Loo completely restored it as the Hawkeye Center, a historic museum and office space.
The Historic Fourth Ward School, Virginia City, Nev. - Built in 1876 in the center of the Comstock Mining District, this state-of-the-art historic school provided a primary, grammar and high school education to children of the Comstock. After 50 years of vacancy, the school reopened in 1986 as a small historic museum. However, a need for serious renovation prompted a large project to expand, restore and rehabilitate the interior and exterior of the building. Once again, the museum is a thriving learning environment with lectures, exhibits, workshops, concerts and tours.
Mill City Museum, Minneapolis, Minn. – Located in the burned-out walls of the former Washburn A Mill, home of Betty Crocker and General Mills, this site has brought new life to “Mill City’s” riverfront. Once one of America’s largest grain producers, the mill was gutted by fire in 1991, and subsequently slated for demolition. But, a 12-year $32 million restoration plan brought the state-of-the-art Mill City Museum forth from the rubble in 2003. The structure incorporates modern elements with the mill’s original machinery, creating a multi-sensory, interactive experience that chronicles the history of the milling industry.
Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum, Madison, Ind. – From 1878 to 1972, the factory flourished, producing tens of thousands of saddletrees - the wooden skeletons used to frame horse saddles - and survived some of the largest revolutions in transportation and manufacturing. When it closed in 1972, it sat frozen in time until 2002, when Historic Madison and hundreds of volunteers embarked on a three-year museum quality restoration. Now the Schroeder Saddletree Factory is America’s last intact 19th century saddletree manufacturing complex, recognized by historians as one of America’s premier industrial heritage museums.
St. Thomas Synagogue, V.I.–This St. Thomas landmark is the oldest synagogue, circa 1796, in continuous use under the American flag. Years of deterioration prompted the community to restore the building, which has provided the St. Thomas Sephardic community with worship services every Sabbath since 1833, with only one exception. Traditional Sephardic liturgy was maintained along with an inch of coral sand covering the floor to serve as a reminder of the time when Jews were forced to pray in secrecy, the sand muffling their voices.
Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, Austin, Tex. – Created in 1999 by former Governor George W. Bush, this statewide preservation program has worked to restore, plan and stabilize Texas’s historic courthouses. While revitalizing the community centers, this $145 million program has created a resurgence of economic development, jobs and heritage tourism in surrounding areas, with more to come.
Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Miss. – Built in 1901, Woodworth Chapel is a spiritual landmark that served for many years as the meeting place of famous civil rights leaders. In the mid 1980s, after 11 years of closure, Tougaloo College received a grant to begin work on a large restoration and rehabilitation effort of the chapel, salvaging and re-using the building’s original elements and materials. This first step in a broader effort to preserve the Tougaloo College historic district has returned the chapel to its original role as the heart of the community.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, DC headquarters staff, six regional offices and 25 historic sites work with the Trust’s 200,000 members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the National Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.
### ___________________________________________________________________________ History is in Our Hands 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 588-6141 • (202) 588-6299 (fax) For more information and images of the 2004 National Preservation Award winners
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