2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations® Nomination Guidelines
DEADLINE EXTENSION: All nomination materials must be submitted by September 10, 2009.
The Dozen Distinctive Destinations® program recognizes unique cities and towns across the country working to preserve their historic character, promote heritage tourism, enhance their community and encourage others to enjoy all they have to offer. Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 destinations from across the country that offer authentic visitor experiences by combining dynamic downtowns, diverse cultural activities, attractive architecture, and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization.
NEW THIS YEAR – THE POPULAR VOTE!
The public will vote on a "fan favorite" from among the 12 selected destinations. The National Trust for Historic Preservation will announce the winner of the popular vote in early March 2010.
WHAT MAKES YOUR COMMUNITY DISTINCTIVE?
- An Authentic Experience: Historic character and charm, a variety of activities – including museums, tours, art galleries, festivals, restaurants, and other attractions – that will appeal to individuals, couples and families
- A Dynamic Downtown: A vibrant main street, a well-preserved historic district, locally owned businesses
- A Commitment to Preservation: Diverse cultural traditions, neighborhoods, structures and events, dedicated local organizations and volunteers
- A Green Ethic: Local food products, walkability, bike or other tours, commitment to sustainability and revitalization
- A Heritage Tourism Infrastructure: Locally owned retail shops, historic lodging, and unique dining options
BEFORE FILLING OUT THIS APPLICATION, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
ALL STEPS OF THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE COMPLETED ELECTRONICALLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY MATERIALS THAT YOU ARE UNABLE TO SUBMIT IN THIS MANNER, YOU MAY MAIL THEM TO JOELLE SCHATZ.
Please note that if you have all of these materials ready before continuing on to the next steps, it should take approximately 45 minutes to complete all components of this application.
- The support of a local tourism or preservation organization. (Please Note: Nominations must be submitted by a Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Main Street office, Historic Hotel of America, or other tourism, preservation, or local organization.)
- Contact information for the nominator and nominating organization.
- Responses to the application questions.
- Credit card information. The application fee is $150.
- Supplementary materials including:
- 2-3 letters of recommendation from local preservation organizations, congresspeople, state representatives, mayors, or other city officials. Letters can be addressed to Special Projects Coordinator Joelle Schatz at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- 5-10 high resolution images at least 1 MB in size (with caption and credit information) that tell the story of your destination. We encourage you to submit images that show diversity of place and people and give a sense of what visitors can experience. Show off your town!
- 1-2 video(s) about your destination - anything from amateur footage to a professional tourism video is welcome. A video is not required, but we do encourage you to submit one if you are able.
***Look for letter of recommendation, image, and video submission instructions following the payment step. You must submit these materials in order for your application to be considered.***
If would like to nominate a larger city, we encourage you to consider nominating a distinctive neighborhood within your destination. Past examples of this have included: West Hollywood, California (2007) and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico (2004).
IF SELECTED, YOUR COMMUNITY WILL BENEFIT BY RECEIVING:
- Promotion through the National Trust for Historic Preservation web site, which receives over 200,000 visitors a month, and an entire web page dedicated to your destination.
- Inclusion in a feature story about the Distinctive Destinations in Preservation magazine.
- Support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in planning a local media event. Past events have included governors, senators, mayors, local representatives, and community members.
- A promotional toolkit and press release.
- A certificate and plaque from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- The title of 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destination® and use of the program logo on all materials.
Check out some examples of what other Distinctive Destinations have done with their designation and the program logo.
REQUIREMENTS IF SELECTED:
- Your community, with the support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will be asked to promote the designation and the public vote for your destination.
- "What makes this destination distinctive" video footage that encourages the public to vote for your community as the "fan favorite". Amateur content is welcome.
- Your community will be asked to host a local press event announcing and celebrating the designation. The National Trust for Historic Preservation Communications Team and our Regional Offices will provide support in helping you plan for this event.
- Signing of a Trademark License Agreement to ensure that the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations® logo is used properly.
- A This Place Matters photo taken in your community.
- Completion of a survey following the national announcement and voting, giving feedback on your media event and experience working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Contact Dozen@nthp.org with questions about any of these requirements.
IMPORTANT DATES:
- DEADLINE EXTENSION: ALL NOMINATION MATERIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
- Applicants will be notified in early January of 2010.
- The National Announcement of the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations® will take place on February 3, 2010.
- Winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010.
Contact us with questions
Joelle Schatz
Special Projects Coordinator
National Trust for Historic Preservation.
1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW | Washington, DC 20036
202.588.6141 | Dozen@nthp.org
I have read the Nomination Guidelines above and understand that in order for my application for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations® program to be processed, I must submit parts 1 and 2 of the Nomination Form, letters of recommendation, images, video, and the $150 application fee by September 1, 2009. By submitting these materials, I also agree to the following terms and conditions.
