Save America's Treasures to Receive 2007 Keystone Award from the American Architectural Foundation
~ Award Presented at 18th Annual Accent on Architecture Gala ~

WASHINGTON—February 9, 2007—The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) will present its 2007 Keystone Award to Save America’s Treasures, a public-private partnership that helps protect and preserve the architectural, artistic, and cultural legacy of the United States. This award, recognizing outstanding leadership in the field of architecture and design by organizations or individuals outside of the architectural profession, will be presented at the annual Accent on Architecture Gala on February 9, 2007.

Save America’s Treasures is a national effort to protect "America's threatened cultural treasures, including historic structures, collections, works of art, maps and journals that document and illuminate the history and culture of the United States." Established by Executive Order in February 1998, Save America's Treasures was originally founded 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. Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of America's priceless historic legacy, Save America’s Treasures works to recognize and rescue the enduring symbols of American tradition that define us as a nation.

AAF’s Keystone Award is presented annually to recognize individuals or organizations from outside the architecture and design field for their leadership in advancing design excellence. Past winners have includedthe philanthropic Pritzker Family of Chicago, the Office of the Commissioner of the Public Building Service of the General Services Administration, Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago; and Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina.

“Save America’s Treasures is an excellent example of the success that can be achieved when public and private interests work together to support a worthy cause—the preservation of our architectural history and cultural inheritance. These important symbols of our country and its culture have found an advocate and champion in Save America’s Treasures. Through its leadership, Save America’s Treasures inspires us to contemplate the significance of our built environment and preserve it for future generations,” said Eric Cantor, Chair of the AAF Board of Regents.

The Accent on Architecture Gala is the nation’s preeminent celebration of the power of architecture to improve lives and transform communities. It is presented each year by the American Architectural Foundation in partnership with the American Institute of Architects. This year's event will feature the presentation of the AAF Keystone Award and the AIA Gold Medal, Twenty-five Year Award, and Architecture Firm Award. AAF will also report on the significant advances in the development and implementation of its national initiatives supported in part by the proceeds from the 2006 Gala.

Approximately 1000 guests will attend the black-tie Accent on Architecture Gala, to be held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., at 6:30 p.m. on February 9, 2007.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL FOUNDATION
The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that educates individuals and communities about the power of architecture to transform lives and improve the places where we live, learn, work, and play. AAF’s programs include: The Mayors’ Institute on City Design and Great Schools by Design – highly regarded initiatives that help improve the built environment through the collaboration of thought leaders, designers, and local communities. Through its outreach programs, grants, exhibitions, and educational resources, the American Architectural Foundation helps people become thoughtful and engaged stewards of the world around them. For more information, please visit www.archfoundation.org.

ABOUT SAVE AMERICA'S TREASURES
Save America's Treasures is a national effort to protect "America's threatened cultural treasures, including historic structures, collections, works of art, maps and journals that document and illuminate the history and culture of the United States." Save America's Treasures was originally established by Executive Order in 1998 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. Dedicated to the preservation and celebration of America's priceless historic legacy, Save America's Treasures works to recognize and rescue the enduring symbols of American tradition that define us as a nation. Honorary Chair First Lady Laura Bush leads this effort along with co-chairs Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the noted author, Susan Eisenhower, granddaughter of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mrs. Bush succeeds former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton who continues to support the program as its Founding Chair.

Media Contact:
Aaron Smith
American Architectural Foundation
202-626-7374
asmith@archfoundation.org

Virgil McDill
National Trust for Historic Preservation
202-588-6218
virgil_mcdill@nthp.org

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