Celebrating 75 Years of the Power of Place

Celebrating 75 years of the Power of Place

On October 26, 1949, Congress chartered the National Trust for Historic Preservation, initiating what has become a 75-year journey of protecting America’s historic places. As we commemorate this milestone, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of places and their profound impact on our lives.

Throughout the year, we’ll be highlighting the stories, achievements, and people that continue to shape the preservation movement, offering a glimpse into the past while exploring innovative new directions for the future. Together, let’s celebrate the places that unite us and ensure they continue to inspire for generations to come.

Celebrate with Us!

We've got a year of events across the country planned to celebrate this milestone. Make sure you are receiving our emails so we can share details about events happening near you as they become available. Sign up for emails.

January, 25, 2025 in New York City

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Cultural Custodians: How America's Collections Preserve and Propel

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Join us for an enlightening discussion as a distinguished panel of experts from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and renowned guests delve into the profound role of historic collections in shaping our understanding of the past. In this conversation to mark the National Trust’s 75th Anniversary, we will explore the intersection of fine and decorative arts with historic architecture, examining how these artifacts—whether housed in iconic landmarks or private historic homes—tell the rich, layered stories of America’s cultural heritage.

Moderated by Ellen McGauley of Veranda Magazine, this session will shed light on the unique power of these objects to not only preserve history but also inspire new perspectives on our shared legacy. Through compelling examples of art and artifacts at historic sites, we’ll discover how every piece contributes to a larger narrative, urging us to reflect on our collective responsibility as caretakers of these irreplaceable treasures.

Presented in partnership with the The Winter Show. Programming is complimentary with a ticket to The Winter Show. You may book your ticket(s) in advance via thewintershow.org/tickets or purchase at the door.

Speakers: Moderator: Ellen McGauley, Executive Director, Veranda; Panelists: Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund; Maria Nicanor, Director of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; David Scott Parker, FAIA

Garden House of Filoli a National Trust Historic Site in Woodside, California.

photo by: Filoli

Garden House of Filoli a National Trust Historic Site in Woodside, California.

Join Today!

We're celebrating 75 years of demonstrating how saving meaningful places can improve lives, motivate future generations, and strengthen communities. We hope we can count on you to build the future with us! Together we can create a better tomorrow.

“The purposes of the National Trust shall be to receive donations of sites, buildings, and objects significant in American history and culture, to preserve and administer them for public benefit.”

Congressional Charter of the National Trust for Historic Preservation