What is a Resident Curator?

In some states, the National Park Service and the state historic preservation office will work with private citizens to become resident curators.  A resident curator relationship allows state-owned historic properties to be restored at virtually no cost to taxpayers.  To see if your state offers a resident curator program, contact your State Historic Preservation Officer.

For example, in Maryland, a resident curatorship begins with the identification of buildings by the Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Historical Trust.  Interested preservationists submit an application with a five-year restoration plan, and must be qualified to supervise and finance the restoration work.  If approved, the resident curator can live in the historic property for the rest of his or her life in return for financing the restoration.