Save the Date! We are excited to announce that Preservation Action Foundation’s Annual Auction and Fundraiser will return on Oct. 28th from 7:00-9:30pm during the 2024 PastForward Conference in New Orleans! Plan to join us immediately following conference's opening reception at the historic BK House and Gardens.

Bid on exciting tours and experiences, travel packages, educational opportunities, and one-of-a-kind gift items – all for the great cause of expanding grassroots preservation advocacy through education and outreach. Don't miss out as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Preservation Action in style with food, drink, live-music, and of-course a lively auction in the heart of the French Quarter.

Ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks and stay tuned for more information on donation and sponsorship opportunities.

Preservation Action Joins Letter Urging Support for the Cultural Resources Challenge Act

This week Preservation Action joined a sign-on letter alongside a diverse group of more than 100 organizations urging Congress to support for the Cultural Resources Challenge Act (H.R. 7936). As noted in the letter, this important bill aims to address the urgent needs of our nation's cultural heritage sites, including national parks, monuments, and artifacts that tell the story of our diverse history. The letter, led by the National Parks Conservation Association, was sent to congressional offices this week.

Introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), the Cultural Resources Challenge Act would provide an additional $250 million in funding for historic and cultural resources at the National Park Service, address staff shortages, and update interpretation at cultural and historic resource sites to enhance the visitor experience. This bill would also establish a competitive grant program focused on resiliency and accessibility of cultural resources, supporting projects that address climate change, involvement of underrepresented communities in historic preservation, and encourage future generations to engage in historic preservation.

Take Action!

As we quickly approach 250th anniversary of the United States of America, it is more important than ever to ensure our cultural heritage sites are preserved, safeguarding our history for future generations. Join is in urging Congress to support the Cultural Resources Challenge Act (H.R. 7936) today! Check out the alert from the NPCA and take action today!

The National Park Service (NPS) recently completed and transmitted to Congress, a special resource study looking at opportunities to establish a National Historic Site and network program to preserve the legacy of American businessman and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and his work with Booker T. Washington to establish Rosenwald schools throughout the segregated South.

In 2021 Congress passed legislation directed NPS to conduct the special resource study and specifically evaluate sixteen sites associated with Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools. The study concluded that Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools are of national historic significance and recommended the establishment of the San Domingo School in Maryland as a National Historic Site. The study went on to recommend legislation to establish a national network of Rosenwald Schools, which could help support existing, community driven efforts to preserve these historic schools and allow for potential grant programs and technical assistance.

The ultimate mission of advocates, led by the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Park Campaign, is to preserve these sites and legacy as National Historical Park through legislation. The campaign is currently advocating for President Biden to use his powers under the Antiquities Act to establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Monument. Nine Senators sent a letter to the President earlier this year urging establishment of a National Monument. Preservation Action looks forward to continuing to work with our partners in advocating to preserve and protect these important places.

National Trust for Historic Preservation : "What the Supreme Court's Chevron Decision Means for Historic Preservation"

Minnesota: "Opinion: Old Buildings Should be Repurposed, Not Demolished"

Pennsylvania: "Propiak Bill to Expand Tax Credits, Create Jobs Passes House"

New York: "New York Clarifies Application of HTC on Per-Structure Basis"