Save America's Treasures

Often referred to as the first planned cemetery in New Orleans, Lafayette No. 1 was established in 1833 and is a prime example of the city's above ground interment tradition. (Photo courtesy of Robert Ross)

merica’s irreplaceable historic and cultural heritage is found in national symbols like the Star-Spangled Banner, Louis Armstrong’s collection of recordings and Ellis Island. It is also found in communities across the country. The monument of the founder of your hometown, a local historic building or site, or a collection of historic books or artifacts that tell your community’s story — these are our treasures. From them, we can better understand who we are and where we come from.

Congratulations to Aaron, Tierra and Heath of Lakeland Middle School for their winning essay on the LaGrange County Library!

In celebration of Preservation Week 2001, May 13th-19th, Save America's Treasures held a special contest. We asked students around the country to investigate their local treasures and tell us why they should be preserved. Projects were judged for quality of research, creativity and persuasiveness. Read why the LaGrange County Library (.pdf file, 573 Kb) should be preserved!

How can I get involved in Save America’s Treasures?

Whether by helping to save a treasure, offering financial support or by learning from the countless places and collections that need preservation, there are many ways to get involved.

Organize a group to save a historic or cultural treasure in your community

Contact your state and/or local historical society, preservation organization, library or museum to find out about preservation projects in your area

Hold a fundraising event to support the restoration or conservation of a local treasure
Make a contribution to Save America’s Treasures or a local preservation organization
Volunteer to help with a preservation project
Involve your school or youth organization in a project to save a community or national treasure
Take your family to a local historic site or collection to learn about our past and inquire how you can help ensure its survival for the future

You can celebrate America's heritage through song and music with the commemorative CD Sing America: A Celebration of America and its Music. Net proceeds from the sale of this CD, which features recordings by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, will go to Save America's Treasures.

Sing America The CD is available at a special rate for Official Projects of Save America's Treasures by calling 1-877-TREASURES. Others can order a copy of the CD by calling Save America's Treasures at the National Trust at 1-800-315-NTHP. CD's are available for $17.98 plus shipping and handling -- you also can join the National Trust when you call and receive a special member's only price of $12.00, plus S&H. (Operators available 9 a.m. to midnight, eastern standard time.)

Learn more from the original press release.

Where can I get more information about preservation and available grants?

For additional information on preservation, grants, historic sites, and related projects, check out our online Resources. You can also contact your local government officials, state and local historical and cultural societies, arts and humanities councils, libraries, museums and preservation organizations.

"So much of our heritage is at risk — the buildings, battlefields, landmarks as well as objects, documents, and works of art that tell our nation's story. Save America's Treasures calls on Americans to 'honor the past and imagine the future' by saving the important symbols of American tradition. America's story is told not only at our nation's great shrines but also in the lesser-known treasures that enrich every community. If these treasures disappear, they're gone forever. Saving them isn't someone else's job."
— Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Preservation