Author Archive

Preserving African-American Historic Places: New Resource Available

Posted on: February 4th, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation

Written by Brent Leggs, Harvard Loeb Fellow, Boston Field Office

This post was adapted from its original version on the Preservation Leadership Forum blog.

At the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., visitors can tour the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was killed.

In 2004 my job as research assistant for the Kentucky Heritage Council was to inventory Rosenwald Schools in Kentucky. I traveled across the state to document what were the most advanced, architecturally designed school buildings constructed for African-American students between 1917 and 1932.

I was always excited when I found a Rosenwald School standing. Many times, however, nothing was left. It was as if these places had never existed; only landscapes remained, rich with memories of students walking to school. In many cases entire communities had disappeared. People had left rural areas for the big city, leaving significant parts of the history of African-Americans behind. I realized these stories would be all but erased from memory if we didn’t act to protect them.

My experience has shown me that the preservation of historic African-American sites often happens on an informal basis. To be sure, some significant sites associated with African American history are formally recognized and serve as permanent reminders about our ancestors and their journey in America -- for example, the African Meeting House in Boston or the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. But relatively few places that are important to or representative of the African American experience enjoy this level of recognition. ... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, works to save America's historic places.

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Space to Reflect: The 57th Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral

Posted on: January 25th, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation 1 Comment

This post, written by National Trust Executive Vice President and Chief Preservation Officer David J. Brown, originally appeared on SavingPlaces.org.

Outside Washington National Cathedral the morning of the 57th Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service.

Every four years, when the country gathers to inaugurate a president, some of the nation’s most historic buildings take center stage. From the Benjamin Latrobe-designed St. John’s Church where the First Family attends a morning service, to the White House where the President meets with his successor or the leaders of Congress, to the U.S. Capitol where the Chief Executive takes the oath of office under a magnificent dome largely completed during the darkest days of the Civil War -- our nation’s peaceful transfer of power occurs in and around stately buildings that are cherished witnesses to history.

And the inauguration ceremonies end the following morning at yet another historic building -- Washington National Cathedral -- where the nation’s secular and religious leaders gather for the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service.... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, works to save America's historic places.

More Posts (881)

A Sister’s Love: The Story Behind the Malcolm X – Ella Little-Collins House

Posted on: January 21st, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation 5 Comments

Written by Alicia Leuba, Field Director, Boston Office

Built in 1874, this is the last known surviving boyhood home of Malcolm X.

Two of the things I like most about my work with the National Trust are the people I meet and the stories I hear. My work on the Malcolm X House has provided me an opportunity to hear stories not only about Malcolm X as a boy and young man, but also of his older half sister Ella Little-Collins, as told by Rodnell Collins, Ella’s son and Malcolm X’s nephew.

I knew a bit about Malcolm X going into the project -- his role as a social justice and civil rights leader, his leadership in the Nation of Islam -- but nothing about Ella. By talking with Rodnell, I have learned about Malcolm’s life and his important relationship with his half sister, who is credited with playing an influential and supportive role throughout his life.... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, works to save America's historic places.

More Posts (881)

Find Funding: How to Apply for Grants from the National Trust Preservation Fund

Posted on: January 14th, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation 5 Comments

Written by Brendan McCormick, Grants & Awards Assistant

Interior of the Eygyptian Theatre, Coos Bay, Oregon. Credit: Oregonkat, flickr
Interior of the Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay, Oregon.

Fun fact: In 2012, the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded more than $1 million to nearly 200 projects across the country through its small grant program. This annual program supports local preservation organizations’ efforts to preserve and protect important places in their communities.

In Texas, Preservation Longview is working to save the Judge J.N. Campbell House and received a grant for engineering and architectural consulting services.
In Alabama, the Alabama Historical Commission is developing tours of the Alabama State Capitol and the Freedom Rides Museum that are accessible to cell phone, smart phone, and smart tablet users.
In Oregon, the Egyptian Theatre Preservation Association commissioned a market study to help them prioritize their preservation objectives.

In the Grants office, we field calls and questions throughout the year about our grants program from people eager to do similar work in their communities. So we compiled a quick Q&A to help guide potential applicants. Read on to learn how a grant from the National Trust might be available to kickstart a preservation project in your hometown.... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, works to save America's historic places.

More Posts (881)

Holiday Magic on Main Street: Highlights from 2012

Posted on: January 3rd, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation

Big Bright Light Show, Rochester, Michigan. Credit: Brad Ziegler
Big, Bright Light Show in Rochester, Michigan.

As everyone trickles back to work this week, we find ourselves already nostalgic about the holiday magic that brought Main Streets across the country alive during this festive season. In today's post (adapted from Conan Cheong's Main Street Story of the Week) we look at the downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts that gathered revelers together to enjoy light shows, caroling, and special shopping experiences with local merchants.

Here are some of the highlights:... Read More →