The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced $25.7 million in funding for the cultural and historic preservation of 59 nationally significant sites and collections. This funding will support renovation and restoration projects for various buildings and sites across the country, including a Spanish colonial residence in Santa Barbara, a church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and a project to repair the steps at a Christopher Wren–designed building at the College of William and Mary.
One of the key initiatives behind this funding is the Save America’s Treasures program, which has been providing financial support for the preservation and conservation of notable sites, collections, artifacts, and structures for the past 25 years. With over $405 million allocated from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), this program has played a crucial role in safeguarding America’s cultural heritage. National Park Service Director Chuck Sams emphasized the importance of these projects in passing down the full history of America and its people to future generations.
The funding will be distributed to 28 historical sites in need of preservation or repair work, as well as over two dozen cultural institutions seeking to safeguard or digitize their collections and archives. Among the list of buildings and landscapes receiving funding is the Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans. This residence will receive funds to further recognize the work of landscape designer Ellen Biddle Shipman, highlighting her influence in a male-dominated field.
Another notable site on the list is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Florida, known for its Mediterranean-style villa and decorative furnishings from Europe. The swimming pool grotto at Vizcaya was once a center of entertainment and will benefit from the preservation efforts. Additionally, the Louisiana State University (LSU) Campus Mounds Preservation Project aims to protect sacred structures constructed over 6,000 years ago by Indigenous people, preventing ongoing damage to the site.
The full list of historic sites receiving funding for preservation projects includes a diverse range of locations across the country. From the California Missions Foundation to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Foundation in Wisconsin, these projects highlight the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of these sites. Each project has a specific scope aimed at preserving, restoring, or digitizing important aspects of American history.
Overall, the funding provided by the National Park Service for these preservation projects is crucial in ensuring that these culturally and historically significant sites are protected for future generations. By investing in the conservation and restoration of these sites, we are not only preserving our past but also educating and inspiring present and future generations about the diverse history and heritage of America.