Today, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Stephanie Meeks, issued the following statement on the passing of influential architectural historian and National Trust for Historic Preservation Trustee Emeritus, Dr. Vincent J. Scully.

“Dr. Vincent Scully was a giant in architectural history, a renowned and sought-after teacher, and an inspiring voice in the field of historic preservation. His death is an incredible loss for the entire preservation and architecture community, and he will be sorely missed.

“Vincent once wrote that preservation was “the only mass popular movement to affect critically the course of architecture in our century.” That is in no small part thanks to his tremendous advocacy and dedication to saving places over the course of his life. He fought on the frontlines of countless preservation battles over the years, including helping to save the Public Library and City Hall of his native New Haven. And he was always a prominent and outspoken voice on the importance of using the past to design the future.

“Among his many other contributions, Vincent was a great friend of the National Trust, serving on our Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2000. In 2009, we bestowed upon him preservation’s highest honor, the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award, for his tireless commitment to our field.

“Vincent’s passion for architecture, design, and preservation was evident to all who knew him. On behalf of myself and the National Trust, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Vincent’s family, friends, and the students and colleagues whom he inspired.”