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Historic Preservation

National Trust Requests Naming Input for “National Treasures”

From Preservation Action

One of the major components of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s restructure plan, Preservation 10X, includes a focus on the identification of and subsequent advocacy for 100 “National Treasures.” These resources are meant to be historic places of national significance, or that raise national preservation issues.

Since this program is going to be a major initiative of the Trust, and many individuals have been providing suggestions as to what the name should be, the Trust has decided “…to use data-driven research to help in making this name decision to give us the best chance for success.” In short — they want input! According to an announcement by President Stephanie Meeks, “…the name needs to be a proper noun (no verbs). It needs to be short and memorable. It needs to convey the importance of these places and signal the commitment of the Trust to their protection. We are asking friends close to the Trust to provide name ideas that we can test in our upcoming research. If you have suggestions, please send them to names@nthp.org by November 23.”

6 replies on “National Trust Requests Naming Input for “National Treasures””

it’ll be named after something in Virginia, DC or NYC because that’s all the trust cares about. (sorry about the cynicism – seems that’s all they ever talk about in their newsletters).

One of the things that always intrigued me about the Korean government was their tendency to number their treasures. 
There are numbered National Treasures. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Treasures_of_South_Korea

There are numbered Important Intangible Cultureal Properties
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Important_Intangible_Cultural_Properties_of_Korea

There are also numbered monuments, historic sites, scenic sites, treasures, etc.

The important thing is that they are numbered.  So Namdaemun being national treasure #1 implies some kind of ranking.  All signs and displays include the number.  The casual tourist is tempted to try to see them all in reverse order. 

That’s an interesting method.  St. Louis’ City Landmarks are numbered, although in order of admission to the list.  Still, the numbers show that there is a list, and later admissions show an impressive number.  (Unfortunately, the city has not declared any city landmarks since 2003.)

Funny Adam.  I work at the Trust (not that long) and think that is pretty obvious as well.  Ive been trying to change that, but Im not really in the best postion to do so…  

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