How the America’s Most Endangered Places list helps bring important stories out of obscurity.

In a piece for Smithsonian Magazine, Shoshi Parks outlines how the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s America’s Most Endangered Historic Places program has helped activists restore neglected historical sites.
The program adds 11 new endangered sites to the list each year. The recognition can be crucial for sites, helping to raise their profile and access funding for restoration and programming. According to Jennifer Sandy, the senior director of preservation programs for the National Trust, “While designation on the 11 Most Endangered list does not come with dedicated funding, the high-profile nature of the designation does often help organizations attract new sources of funding through grants or philanthropy.”
Remembering and making connections to historical sites, especially those once rarely considered worthwhile by preservationists, lays a foundation for a future built on belonging and inclusion.
As Parks explains, “In its first years, the endangered list was dominated by sites that placed Euro-American history above those of Indigenous, ethnic and immigrant stories. More recently, the National Trust has taken an expanded perspective that tells the full American story, including places previously left at the margins or located outside the contiguous United States.”
FULL STORY: These Historic Sites in the U.S. Were Once Endangered. Now They’re Thriving

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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