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Preservation Creates. Yesterday, today, and for generations to come.

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Preserving historic places reveals a fuller American story, one of hope, resilience, triumph. Chartered by Congress in 1949, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has long served as a bridge between what was and what can be. We activate the power of place to serve the public good. We improve people's lives. Historic preservation creates investment opportunities in local economies. It creates gathering spaces that cultivate connection.

Our national landscape is dotted with vacant and underutilized, beautiful historic buildings. Reusing and adapting these buildings reduces waste, conserves resources, and strengthens our connections to the places we call home.

For 75 years, the National Trust has worked to protect and enliven the places that connect us all but our work is just beginning. With more voices shaping the future, and more places revitalized and reimagined, we can come together as a people committed to the power of creating a more perfect union where the blessings of liberty are enjoyed by all.

If we know history through stories, then historic preservation is the act of storytelling, and we, the American people, are all authors. In the next 75 years, what will our story be?

On May 22, 2025, the National Trust joined with friends and partners for a celebration of preservation and the National Trust’s 75th anniversary in Louisville, Kentucky. The day included visits to Louisville’s Fifth Street Baptist Church, followed by a Leadership in Preservation panel discussion and fireside chat with National Trust President and CEO, Carol Quillen, at the Cathedral of the Assumption. The day was capped with a Community Showcase at Polar Terrace, courtesy of National Trust board member, Christy Brown.

Cultural Custodians: How America's Collections Preserve and Propel

This enlightening discussion between 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 explored the intersection between fine and decorative arts and historic architecture to examine 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 discussion examined 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 discovered how every piece contributes to a larger narrative, urging us to reflect on our collective responsibility as caretakers of these irreplaceable treasures.

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

Presented at The Winter Show on January 25, 2025.

Creating Community with Cheap Old Houses: A Conversation between National Trust President and CEO, Carol Quillen, Elizabeth Finkelstein, and Cristiana Peña

When you walk into a historic place, are you drawn to the decorative detail, exposed bricks, and wood paneling? Does talking about restoration work with friends and neighbors bring you joy?

If the answer to these questions is a resounding YES!, join us for a conversation with Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, Elizabeth Finkelstein, creator and host of the popular HGTV series "Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House," and Cristiana Peña, preservationist and social media strategist for CIRCA Old Houses, as they share their love bringing these often neglected properties back to life and the role they play in creating community across the United States.

This virtual conversation tackled the joys and challenges around living in and owning an historic home, how these places create stronger connections to neighborhoods and communities, and how they bring a sense of wonder and fun to the preservation process.

This webinar is produced in honor of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 75th Anniversary.

Since 2020, the National Trust has partnered with CIRCA Old Houses to connect property sellers with interested buyers via the CIRCA Old Houses website and social media channels.