President's Note: Preservation as Problem-Solving
From the moment I joined the National Trust six months ago, I have been impressed by the organization’s commitment to and passion for solving problems by using the tools of historic preservation. Whether we are raising awareness for threatened historic places through our annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places or ensuring legacy eateries can thrive in the age of Uber Eats through our Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant-making initiative, the National Trust’s innovative programs don’t just help protect places. They also improve daily life in rural communities, suburban main streets, and urban neighborhoods throughout the nation.
Our HOPE Crew program, featured in the Summer 2024 issue of Preservation magazine, is one such initiative. Launched 10 years ago to provide a Hands-On Preservation Experience (HOPE), the program was designed to teach the next generation of preservationists how to do the physical work of saving historic places, and to introduce traditional techniques and trades to a more diverse audience. By combining historic preservation with workforce incubation, HOPE Crew unites the power of preservation and the potential of youth, revitalizing historic sites while inspiring the next generation of stewards.
The program also strives to address gender disparities in the construction trades. In another project featured in this issue, a partnership with our Where Women Made History initiative, a group of participants—the majority of them women—learned to restore historic windows.
HOPE Crew also offers longer courses such as a Digital Documentation Fellowship, which, in partnership with our African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, engages architecture students at HBCUs in researching, documenting, and preserving historic structures. Additionally, HOPE Crew’s community workshops and volunteer projects share hands-on opportunities for community members to learn skills and to spruce up historic places, respectively.
As we celebrate a decade of HOPE Crew, the impact is clear. With 200-plus completed projects, more than 860 paid trainees, and over 3,600 volunteers exposed to the historic preservation trades, HOPE Crew has established enduring benefits in communities across the country. Even more inspiring is the lasting legacy of empowerment the program has created. By engaging diverse voices and perspectives, HOPE Crew ensures that the future of historic preservation is more inclusive and equitable.
Looking ahead, the importance of programs like HOPE Crew will only continue to grow. As the pressures of redevelopment and sprawl threaten our historic treasures, the need for passionate advocates and skilled craftspeople has never been greater. By investing in the next generation of preservationists, we’re not just protecting our past; we’re paving the way for a more vibrant and sustainable future.
