An update from National Trust President Paul Edmondson.
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Dear Preservation Supporter,

At the National Trust, we focus on saving places but, as we look for comfort and
inspiration in these unsettled times, I am reminded that places can help to
sustain us as well. With our historic sites closed and our staff working
remotely in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we’re realizing anew how
historic places can provide critical ways to connect with each other and our
shared history at a time that our other connections are so limited.

Using technology to experience historic places can bring us much needed escape
and perspective. Over the last week, our historic sites have quickly taken their
experiences digital and are developing innovative new ways to engage with these
places—from Virtual Game Night at President Lincoln’s Cottage to online versions
of our annual plein air competition at the Shadows on the Teche and our
needlework show at Woodlawn. With just a click or two, you can watch a joyful behind-the-scenes view of installing Yayoi Kusama’s Dots Obsession at
the Glass House
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Please connect with us on Instagram ( @savingplaces
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sites. But rest assured that, while we are taking this opportunity to prototype
and build more robust online experiences at National Trust Historic Sites,
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ready to welcome you back when this period of social distancing ends. Our
historic sites—and thousands of others around the country—are community
touchstones and they will be even more important when this crisis abates.

Old places and their stories are also inspiring as we work to meet the
challenges before us. If you are looking for both diversion and inspiration, make a virtual visit to Villa Lewaro,
[[link removed]] the estate of Madam C.J. Walker overlooking the Hudson River in Irvington, New
York. You might have seen the new Netflix series
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the Emancipation Proclamation and through her intellect, perseverance, and
ingenuity, built a cosmetics and hair care empire and became America’s first
self-made female millionaire, while also empowering scores of African American
women as sales representatives. She celebrated and engaged others with this
success by building Villa Lewaro, which she called her “dream of dreams.” As a
part of our African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the National Trust
is working to secure a bright future for this place—and many others that
represent the strength of the human spirit.

In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll continue sharing stories, resources, and updates
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And I hope you will share with us the places that are helping you get through
these challenging times with us—you can contact us by email or use #savingplaces
on social media.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the National Trust and the
historic places around the country that sustain us.

Warm regards,

Paul Edmondson
President and CEO


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© National Trust for Historic Preservation
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202.588.6000 | 800.944.6847 | 202.588.6038 (fax)

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