As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 50th anniversary of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), historic preservation champions in the U.S. House have signed a bipartisan letter supporting $250 million for the HPF in Fiscal Year 2027.

Led by Historic Preservation Caucus co-chairs Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), the letter garnered bipartisan support, securing 91 signatures from Members representing 31 states and territories. This significant show of support highlights the importance and prevalence of federal preservation programs in communities across the country.

The letter outlines key investments for the HPF, including $70 million for State Historic Preservation Offices, $34 million for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, $25 million for surveys and the digitizing of records to help streamline project reviews, and $121 million for seven competitive grant programs, including African American Civil Rights Grants.

The National Trust is grateful to the Members of Congress who signed on and to advocates nationwide who helped make this possible. Read the full letter.

The Senate version of this Dear Colleague letter is now circulating, and is championed by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).Reach out to your U.S. Senators now and ask them to sign this important marker of support for the HPF. Congressional offices may sign on via Quill (link only works internally in the Senate). DEADLINE: Friday, April 10, 2026