Save America's Treasures

o face the complex challenges of protecting and preserving the nation’s priceless cultural heritage, Save America’s Treasures was founded by former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton as the centerpiece of the White House National Millennium Commemoration and as a public-private partnership that included the White House, the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program continues as a partnership between the National Trust and the National Park Service. Mrs. Laura Bush succeeds former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton as the program's Honorary Chair. The National Trust works with two Associate Partners, the National Park Foundation and Heritage Preservation, to increase public recognition and secure long-term support for projects.

The White House Millennium Council was created by President Clinton in August 1997 to lead a multi-year initiative marking the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the new millennium. At the center of this initiative was Save America's Treasures, a public-private partnership that included the White House Millennium Council, the National Park Service, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aimed at raising public awareness and generating new resources to give a brighter future to our past by preserving historic buildings, objects, sites and collections across the country. Embodying the national theme, "Honor the Past — Imagine the Future," the former President and First Lady invited states, communities, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and all citizens to participate in activities that strengthen our democracy, improve communities, and give lasting gifts to the future.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress in 1949. It is this country’s leading preservation organization, dedicated to protecting irreplaceable historic buildings and the neighborhoods and landscapes they anchor through education and advocacy. Named a White House Millennium Partner in Save America’s Treasures, the National Trust continues to be responsibile for coordinating a public education campaign and working with other preservation partners to increase public recognition and secure long-term support for projects.

As the public partner in this effort, the National Park Service is responsible for managing the federal Save America's Treasures Historic Preservation Grant Fund recommended each year by the President, approved by Congress and administered through the National Park Service. This competitive grant application process is designed to provide matching grants for preservation projects of national significance, including the restoration and conservation of buildings, objects and artifacts that document and convey America's collective memory.

Associate Partners

The National Park Foundation (NPF) is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Created by Congress in 1967, the Foundation raises support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to preserve and enhance America’s National Parks. Over the past five years, NPF has raised more than $42 million in direct support for the National Parks.

Heritage Preservation is a leading advocate for the preservation of America’s heritage, including works of art, family heirlooms, books and archives, documents and photographs, architecture and monuments, and natural science specimens.