11 Most Endangered: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Criteria for Inclusion of a Site on the List?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has three primary criteria for inclusion on the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Places:
- Significance
- Urgency
- Potential Solutions
1. Significance
Significance is the architectural, artistic, and/or historic importance of a site within its cultural, social, or geographical context. The places on the 11 Most list need not be famous, but they must be significant within their own cultural context and illustrate important issues in preservation. Each place is judged within its context. Some previous listings are of undisputed national significance, while others have been included for their role in a unique cultural tradition, for their rare architectural design, or as the last surviving example of a style or building type.
2. Urgency
Urgency is defined as the need for immediate action to stop or reverse serious threats. In previous years, places representing all stages of physical deterioration or unfavorable conditions have been listed, including those at which:
- A disaster has occurred, such as a natural catastrophe or intentional destruction;
- A disaster is imminent, either because of lack of preservation or the planned introduction of harmful factors such as development;
- A pattern of destruction - such as neglect, erosion, or exposure to the elements - is evident and will, if not reversed inevitably lead to loss;
- A longer-range danger exists that can be averted by proper planning or minimal but timely intervention.
3. Potential Solutions
Potential solutions are evaluated according to likelihood that the threats to the place can be removed. Nominators should explain potential solutions that would eliminate or lessen the threat(s) in the short- and/or long-term.
How do I nominate a site?
The nomination form and guidelines are available here on the PreservationNation website. The deadline for the 2009 America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List is December 5, 2008. Individuals should contact their National Trust for Historic Preservation Regional Office and Joelle Schatz at 11most@nthp.org with additional questions.
A complete nomination includes:
- The nomination form, including a summary of the place and description of the threat, which must meet the criteria above (significance, urgency, and potential solutions).
- High-resolution digital images (1-2 MB in size, jpeg, 300 dpi) are a requirement of this program and must be submitted (with captions and credits) for the nomination to be considered.
- 2-3 Letters of support from local, state, and national officials are required.
All nominations and additional materials should be submitted online or via email, fax, or regular mail.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Office of Communications/11 Most Endangered
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202.588.6141
Fax: 202.588.6299
Email: 11Most@nthp.org
How does the process work?
1. Contact Joelle Schatz, Special Projects Coordinator, at 11most@nthp.org and our Regional Office staff to determine if you should nominate your site.
2. Read the Nomination Guidelines, complete the Nomination Form, and submit supporting materials.
3. Nominations are sorted and reviewed by an internal committee. Those not selected will receive a letter.
