Modernism + Recent Past: Key Efforts

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

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

  • Our Resources for Modern Homeowners provides guidance and tools for owners of mid-century houses seeking advice on maintenance and repair.
  • Lustron House Medium
    An example of a Lustron house.

    Credit: Midwest Office, National Trust for Historic Preservation
    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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