Modernism + the Recent Past

List of Modernist Activities and Organizations from the Glass House

Farnsworth House, a National Trust Historic Site

Mies van der Rohe's masterpiece was a weekend country retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth.

Farnsworth

Glass House, a National Trust Historic Site

Inspired by the Farnsworth House, Philip Johnson created his own country retreat in 1949 and used it as a place to experiment with design, architecture, and landscape for more than fifty years.

Glass

Vesey Street Staircase

The protection of the September 11 "Survivor's Staircase" is an example of advocacy work for our recent heritage.

Vesey

Why must we save places of the Modernist movement and the recent past? 

The answer is simple.  If we do not preserve the significant places built since the mid-20th century, our nation stands to lose a vital aspect of its architectural and cultural heritage.

Our Position

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes the importance and significance of cultural resources of the post-war and modern era, and aims to enhance the public’s appreciation for and understanding of mid-20th Century architecture. The National Trust hopes to unite emerging popular interest in preserving the recent past with proper preservation practices through the promotion of continued use and sensitive rehabilitation of these structures.
Learn More

Although the National Trust for Historic Preservation has long championed the importance and safekeeping of the "familiar past," more must be done.  Day after day, the wrecking ball destroys places associated with the Modern design movement, as well as resource of all types built in the last 50 years, with little consideration of their historic merit, design importance, or role in creating a sustainable future.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation challenges the nation to reconsider its recent history and focus our attention on these issues before more landmarks are lost.  Through the Modernism + Recent Past Initiative, the National Trust will work with local, state, and national partners on five key efforts:

Awareness

Increase public awareness and support for preservation of our recent heritage:

Documentation

Document twentieth-century resources and advocate for their inclusion in national and state registers:

Best Practices

Lustron
An example of a Lustron house.

Credit: Midwest Office, National Trust for Historic Preservation

Develop and share best practices for preservation of Modern and recent past assets across the nation:

  • Our Resources for Modern Homeowners provides guideance and tools for owners of mid-century houses seeking advice on maintenance and repair.
  • The Lustron Preservation website is a model for the preservation and maintenance of unusual or rare property types. It contains historical information, technical assistance, an interactive database, and a library of helpful documents for owners of the porcelain-enameled steel houses known as Lustrons. Produced for only a few short years following World War II, the small size and unusual characteristics of these steel houses make them challenging for homeowers, and a prime target for alteration or demolition.

Community

Foster an engaged community of people dedicated to saving twentieth-century resources:

Advocacy

Advocate at the federal, state, and local level for the protection of our recent heritage:

 

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