Preserve America adds urban component

Communities may apply for special designation as a Preserve America Community, which recognizes communities that:

protect and celebrate their heritage;

use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization; and

encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs.

Benefits of designation include:

White House recognition;

certificate of recognition;

Preserve America Community road sign;

authorization to use the Preserve America logo on signs, flags, banners, and promotional materials;

listing in a Web-based Preserve America Community directory;

inclusion in national and regional press releases;

official notification of designation to State tourism offices and visitor bureaus; and

enhanced community visibility and pride.

Four application and designation cycles occur each year. The 2005 application deadlines are March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1.

Because larger metropolitan areas tend to have distinct historic neighborhoods that are essentially communities within larger urban areas, the Preserve America Community program was expanded July 26, 2005, to include the new Preserve America Community Neighborhood program.

In this program, neighborhoods in metropolitan areas with populations greater than 200,000 persons are eligible for this special designation. For more information on the new Preserve America Community Neighborhood program, read the press release or download the application and guidance (in PDF).