Held in Trust: Preserving America's Historic Places; The National Historic Act of 1966 25th Anniversary Report

We are pleased to present this review of the historic preservation partnership since passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The projects featured in this report represent the creative use of a variety of Federal, Tribal, State, local, and private-sector programs. A rich portrait of the nation's heritage emerges—one that reflects the preservation and adaptation of historic buildings and places for a variety of social needs, including housing, education, jobs, and community development. The projects have been selected to reflect the basic tenets of the Act: the historic and cultural foundations of the nation are preserved as a living part of our community life and development; they give a sense of orientation to the American people, and their preservation is a vital legacy of cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, economic, and energy benefits that should be maintained and enriched for future generations. Few government programs have served as such an effective catalyst for community improvement and revitalization. The report focuses on National Park Service programs authorized by the Act that are carried out in a national partnership with other Federal agencies; Tribal, State, and local governments, and the private sector. These programs are part of the larger national historic preservation movement. Included in the movement are programs of State and local governments, such as State and local preservation tax incentives programs, charitable and facade easement programs, as well as programs of the private sector. Beyond the scope of this report are tens of thousands of success stories that could be told about the work of these partners strictly within their own independent programs. State historic preservation offices identified the projects for this report. We anticipate that you will recognize many of the projects in your home State and elsewhere. Perhaps memories will be stirred of imminent demolitions, claims that some old buildings were useless and beyond preservation, allegations that archeological sites were imaginary, and accusations that progress was being obstructed. Today, we have moved beyond routine confrontation. These places are the pride of their local communities, and the people who helped preserve them are heroes. Reflecting on the first quarter century, we can conclude that even the most difficult struggles were worth the effort, and we can inspire ourselves to do what remains undone.