Diversity
Preservation is about diversity
The Northeast Office's African American Historic Places Inventory and Survey Project
The Northeast Regional Office is pleased to announce that Ervin James of Cincinnati, Ohio and Trevor Johnson of Boston, Massachusetts have been selected for the prestigious 1772 Fellowship beginning May 26, 2009. Both will work in the Northeast Office in Boston to develop a regional database and survey of African American preservation organizations and historic sites, from Maine to Delaware. This effort is to first identify those working to preserve African American historic places, to assess the health of these organizations, and to build relationships with each site to advise them on various resources available at NTHP. This valuable work, particularly the survey, will influence and guide future programming that the Northeast Office is developing to support these organizations. Additional duties include adding and mapping African American historic places identified through this survey on PreservationNation.org so it is available to the public and preservationists. This 10-week position is funded by The 1772 Foundation. To provide information about African American preservation organizations and extant African American historic sites in the Northeast that should be included in this inventory project, please send an email to Ervin_James@nthp.org and Trevor_Johnson@nthp.org.
To discuss the project or learn about resources available through the National Trust, please contact Field Representative Brent Leggs at Brent_Leggs@nthp.org.
African American Historic Places Survey
To complete the African American Historic Places Survey, please click on this link. All the information collected through this survey is CONFIDENTIAL and will only be viewed by National Trust staff. All who complete the survey will receive a complimentary membership to the National Trust. Many thanks for taking the time to provide this valuable information.
The Office of Diversity Initiatives
This office assists the National Trust for Historic Preservation's programs, regional offices, and historic sites in reaching out to diverse constituencies and helping save the historic places that reflect the broad American experience. This work is built upon the core organizational values of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We draw upon and demonstrate the rich diversity of our shared national heritage, bringing to life the real stories of real people through places saved and communities revitalized. We build and nurture collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships with statewide and local organizations, Main Street communities, historic sites and others that bring local capacity and expertise to our shared work in broadening the preservation ethic in America. And, we deepen and broaden educational efforts directed toward all Americans to connect America's stories to her people.
Recent Northeast Office Projects
"Rediscovering a Piece of American History"
Read about the efforts to preserve the Abyssinian Meeting House in Portland, Maine.
"It Takes a Village"
Read about recent work to protect two Connecticut sites of importance to African American Heritage: the Mary & Eliza Freeman Houses in Bridgeport and the Samuel Peters House in Hebron in the February 2009 issue of Northeast Preservation News.
"Northeast Office's African American Retreat"
In the Spring of 2005, the Northeast Office convened a group of African American preservationists from across the region. Read about what they discussed and plans for the future.
Diversity Scholarships Available
The National Trust seeks culturally diverse applicants whose attendance at the National Preservation Conference (in Nashville October 13-17, 2009) will benefit their communities and whose commitment to historic preservation will be reinforced by their participation. The Diversity Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to approximately 60 community leaders from diverse social, economic, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Applications are available online and due June 15, 2009. Questions? Please contact the Diversity Scholarship Program at conference@nthp.org.
Diversity Scholars in the News
- Spotlight on National Trust Historic Site, Acoma Sky City and its director, Theresa Pasqual
- "How I Became a Preservationist" an interview with Brent Leggs
- Spotlight on Bill Watanabe--Restore America Gala Hero
- "How I Became a Preservationist" an interview with Mtamanika Youngblood, NTHP Trustee
- "A Passion for the Old and the Green: Spotlight on William Ngutter"
PreservationNation.org Diversity Landing Pages
The new African American Heritage in Preservation landing page was just launched in February 2009. It provides information about sites, programs and resources related to African American preservation nationally. Be sure to also visit the Museum of African American History. The National Trust for Historic Preservation partnered with the Museum to protect three historically significant African American cultural sites: African Meeting House in Nantucket, MA and the African Meeting House and the Abiel Smith School in Boston, MA.
Learn more about Women's Heritage in Preservation
Coming soon are other new landing pages. Come back and visit us throughout the year.
May 2009: Asian and Pacific Islander
June: Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender
September: Hispanic Heritage
November: Native American
While you're waiting, be sure to explore Acoma Sky City, New Mexico, the nation's oldest continuously inhabited community. Acoma Sky City is one of the National Trust's newest members of the Historic Sites program.
African American Historic Places Newsletter
The first edition of this newsletter was issued in 2008 and included articles on African American Heritage in Preservation, the Rosenwald Schools, Diversity Scholarship Program, African American List serve, and projects in New Orleans. This quarterly newsletter will provide updates on national African American historic places.
To sign up for the new African American Historic Places newsletter, please send Brent Leggs an email with your email address and contact information at Brent_Leggs@nthp.org.
Meet Your Colleagues on the Internet: the Northeast African American List serve
To stay informed about activities as well as discuss projects, ideas, and challenges with other leaders in the field of African American preservation, join the African American Historic Preservation (AAHP) listserv. It's free and you'll be joining an online community of 200 people-the more people the better! Send your name and email address to Brent Leggs in the Northeast Regional Office and he'll include you.
Other Resources
The National Park Service's Cultural Resources Diversity Program conducts research, produces resources, and offers educational opportunities on diversifying the historic preservation movement. Their newsletter, Heritage Matters, and new publications on Asian-American and African-American cultural heritage found in the built environment are all available as free pdf downloads.
