Preserve America Stewards

Preserve America Stewards is a designation program that recognizes programs that have demonstrated a successful use of volunteer time and commitment in order to help care for our historic heritage.

Designation recognizes programs of organizations and agencies that:

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.

Benefits of designation include:

a letter of designation from First Lady Michelle Obama;
a certificate of recognition signed by the First Lady;
authorization to use the Preserve America logo in public outreach and promotional activities;
listing in a Web-based Preserve America Stewards directory;
publicity in the Preserve America e-newsletter.

Non-profit organizations, government entities (federal, state, local, or tribal), and businesses are eligible to seek designation for their programs. Four application and designation cycles occur each year, with application deadlines on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. To apply, submit the Preserve America Stewards Application (pdf) (doc).

Thirty-six Preserve America Stewards have been officially designated and recognized for their exemplary volunteer efforts to care for historic resources around the country since the program was announced in 2008. They are the following:

Arizona
Kaibab Vermilion Cliffs Heritage Alliance

Alaska
Alutiiq Museum

California
Monterey State Historic Park

Colorado
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association
San Juan Mountains Association

Hawaii
The Friends of 'Iolani Palace

Illinois
Pleasant Home Foundation

Iowa
Cascade Community Enhancement Corporation

Indiana
Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County

Kansas
Glasco Community Foundation

Maine
Maine Maritime Museum

Maryland
Friends of Jerusalem Mill
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Sandy Spring Lodge #6430
Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fell's Point
United States Lighthouse Society

Massachusetts
Thacher Island Association