Dezeen · Creativity & design

National Trust Launches $10 Million Defense Fund for Historic Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has established a $10 million fundraising campaign to create a Historic Preservation Defense Fund. This initiative aims to protect U.S. landmarks and the laws that safeguard them from perceived threats.

The fund will support legal defense, public advocacy, and community action, responding to a "crisis" and the federal government's changing approach to preservation.

NTHP has previously sued over government projects, including at the White House, and notes a shift from federal partnership to divestment in preservation.

Examples of "in jeopardy" sites include White House East Wing construction and the Kennedy Center's recent closure due to renovation plans.

The proposed Triumphal Arch is cited as an "intrusion," and NTHP is concerned about weakening Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Proposed revisions to Section 106 could "dramatically diminish" protections for sites like the Reflecting Pool and the Smithsonian.

NTHP president Brent Leggs called the current moment "existential," urging accountability for historic place endangerment.

Founded in 1949, NTHP is a nonprofit chartered by Congress. Brent Leggs became president in June.

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