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

Follow along using the transcript.

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?

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.