The National Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting nominations for its 2010 “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list. This annual list highlights important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. Nominations are due on Fri., Jan. 8, 2010. The 2010 list will be announced on Weds., May 19, 2010.
“Every year, the National Trust issues its America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list as an alarm bell, a call to all Americans to realize that some of our most important treasures are in trouble,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Unless all of us are aware of the importance of our heritage and take action to preserve it, Americas past won’t have a future. That’s the real message of the 11 Most Endangered list.”
America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has identified more than 200 threatened one-of-a-kind historic treasures since 1988. Whether these sites are urban districts or rural landscapes, Native American landmarks or 20th-century sports arenas, entire communities or single buildings, the list spotlights historic places across America that are threatened by neglect, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy. The designation has been a powerful tool for raising awareness and rallying resources to save endangered sites from every region of the country. At times, that attention has garnered public support to quickly rescue a treasured landmark; while in other instances, it has been the impetus of a long battle to save an important piece of our history. According to the Trust, in the past two decades, only seven sites have been lost.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation uses three primary criteria to determine the 11 places: significance, urgency, and solutions. The places on the list need not be famous; but, they must be significant within their own cultural context, illustrate important issues in preservation and have a need for immediate action to stop or reverse serious threats.
For additional information, e-mail 11Most@nthp.org or call (202) 588-6141. To learn more about the program and to submit a nomination, visit http://www.PreservationNation.org/11Most .
For more information about the National Trust for Historic Preservation, visit http://www.PreservationNation.org .
