10 on Tuesday

[10 on Tuesday] 10 Tips for Organizing a Community Tour

Posted on: March 12th, 2013 by Sarah Heffern 4 Comments

 

Two days of sunny, 60-degree weather this past weekend has me thinking about one of my favorite warm-weather activities: playing history detective in my hometown. Washington, D.C., where I live, offers an amazing variety of tours, from the neighborhood-centric Capitol Hill House and Garden Tour to citywide Walkingtown DC, and pretty much everything in between.

These kinds of historic tours can be a great way for local history-lovers and preservation groups to bring a community together around beloved places (or the desire to sneak a peek inside that big house on Main Street). Are you interested in coordinating one for your town? Here are 10 tips to get you started. ... Read More →

Sarah Heffern

Sarah Heffern is the social media strategist for the National Trust’s Public Affairs team. While she embraces all things online and pixel-centric, she’s also a hard-core building hugger, having fallen for preservation in a fifth grade “Built Environment” class.

[10 on Tuesday] How to Pitch a Preservation Story to the News Media

Posted on: March 5th, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation

 

Written by Sarah Coquillat, Public Affairs Intern

Historic places have important stories to tell, and it is important to share these with the community and nation at large.

Pitching a preservation story to a reporter -- i.e., alerting them to all the good work you’re doing -- can seem daunting the first time. While you might have an excellent idea, perhaps you don’t know how to approach a reporter or frame your story.

This toolkit offers 10 basic tips to get you started with media outreach. The more you know, the better your chances are for reaching the right media outlets and sharing your preservation story with the wider world.... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Trust for Historic Preservation

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

[10 on Tuesday] 10 Ways to Get Kids Excited About Preservation

Posted on: February 26th, 2013 by Emily Potter 2 Comments

 

One of the reasons we preserve historic places is so that they can continue to tell the stories of our history for the next generation. But how effective is that goal if the next generation doesn't understand the value and significance of these places we've dedicated ourselves to saving?

This is why it’s so important to get kids involved and interested in historic preservation now: Ignite a passion for history and culture, and spark a lifelong commitment to saving places that matter.

Here are 10 things to do with kids in the classroom or at home to get them involved in and excited about historic preservation.... Read More →

Emily Potter

Emily Potter is a copywriter at the National Trust. She enjoys writing about places of all kinds, the stories that make them special, and the people who love them enough to save them.

[10 on Tuesday] How to Lobby for Preservation: Ten Essential Steps

Posted on: February 19th, 2013 by Julia Rocchi

 

Casting your ballot in the voting booth may be the most fundamental of democratic acts, but talking to your elected official -- called lobbying -- is the indispensable next step. Preservationists, like every other group of citizens joined in common cause, have the prerogative and the responsibility to let members of Congress know that the legislation they enact has consequences, positive and negative, for historic preservation goals back home.

The good news is, if you’re making the case for preservation in your community and encouraging others to take action, you already are an advocate. Lobbying calls for the same communication skills, knowledge of preservation and its benefits, and concern for local communities. Other than that, no specific training or experience is required.

This toolkit offers a broad foundation on how to approach this type of advocacy on the federal, state, and local levels. Every person has the ability to be a grassroots lobbyist, and these tips will give you a good place to start.... Read More →

Julia Rocchi

Julia Rocchi

Julia Rocchi is the managing editor for the National Trust. By day she wrangles content; by night (and weekends), she shops local, travels to story-rich places, and walks around looking up at buildings.

[10 on Tuesday] 10 Tips for Nominating Your Site to America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List

Posted on: February 12th, 2013 by National Trust for Historic Preservation 2 Comments

 

Written by Sarah Coquillat, Public Affairs Intern

The National Trust’s America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list for 2013 will be announced this June, and we’ve got good news: There’s still time to nominate your favorite endangered site.

First, a little background. For the past 26 years, the 11 Most list has been one of the most effective tools in the fight to preserve our country’s irreplaceable architectural, cultural, and natural heritage. In the past, the list has spotlighted important places such as Nine Mile Canyon, TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport, and Little Rock Central High School.

Are there historic sites in your community or your state that you think would be good candidates for 11 Most? Then check out our top 10 tips for presenting a strong case when nominating your site. Good luck!... Read More →

National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Trust for Historic Preservation

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