FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2009
IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov
Apply Now to Become a Preserve America
Steward
Next Deadline: December 1, 2009
Washington, DC—Organizations with volunteer
programs that focus on preserving our heritage are encouraged to apply for designation
as Preserve America Stewards. The next quarterly deadline for submitting applications
to the Preserve America Stewards program is December 1, 2009. Preserve America Stewards,
part of the federal Preserve America initiative, is conducted in cooperation with the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services
(IMLS), and other federal agencies.*
An application
form and further information are available here.
Preserve America Stewards receive a designation letter and certificate
of recognition signed by First Lady Michelle Obama. Other benefits include
authorization to use the Preserve America logo in public outreach and promotional
activities, listing in a Web-based Preserve America Stewards directory, and publicity
in the Preserve America e-newsletter.
To date, programs have been recognized for a wide range of volunteer
efforts, including preservation and interpretation of historic buildings and
districts, archaeological site monitoring, historic lighthouse preservation, and historic
cemetery preservation. Designated Preserve America Stewards include the Oberlin Heritage
Center in Oberlin, Ohio; the InfoAge Science-History Center in Wall Township, New Jersey;
the Glasco Community Foundation in Glasco, Kansas; and the U.S. Lighthouse Society,
which was recognized for its preservation of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse in
Maryland.
To be designated, applicants must demonstrate that their programs:
- provide volunteers with opportunities to contribute in direct and tangible
ways to the preservation, protection, and promotion of historic properties;
- address an otherwise unfilled need in heritage preservation through the use
of volunteer efforts; and
- demonstrate innovative and creative use of volunteer assistance in
areas such as youth involvement, volunteer training, public education, and
public/private partnerships.
Non-profit organizations, government entities (federal, state, local, or tribal),
and businesses are eligible to seek designation for their programs.
*Partnering agencies include the U.S. Departments of Agriculture,
Commerce, Defense, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, and Transportation;
the General Services Administration; the National Endowment for the Humanities; the
President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities; and the President's Council on
Environmental Quality. |
