Preserve America facts for kids
Preserve America is a special program from the U.S. government. It was started by President George W. Bush. The program helps communities across the country save and enjoy their important historical and natural places. It's all about protecting our nation's past for the future.
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What is Preserve America?
Preserve America encourages people to learn about and protect America's history. This includes old buildings, special landscapes, and stories from the past. The program helps communities make these places exciting for visitors. It also helps local economies grow through heritage tourism.
Benefits for Communities
As of 2017, over 900 communities have joined the Preserve America program. These communities are in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
When a community becomes a "Preserve America Community," it gets many benefits:
- They can apply for special grants. These grants help improve historic sites and boost tourism.
- They receive recognition from the White House.
- They get a special certificate and a Preserve America Community road sign.
- Their community is listed on the program's website.
- They can use the official Preserve America logo.
- They are included in national and regional press releases.
- State tourism offices are told about their special designation.
How the Program Started
President Bush officially started Preserve America on March 3, 2003. He signed a special order called Executive Order 13287. This order said that the U.S. government should lead the way in protecting our nation's heritage. It encouraged government agencies to work with states, tribes, and local groups. They work together to use historic places for community growth and other public benefits. The order also asked the Secretary of Commerce to help develop local tourism programs.
Later, in March 2009, the U.S. Congress passed a law. President Barack Obama signed this law. It made the Preserve America program a permanent part of the government's efforts.
Who Helps Run Preserve America?
Many different groups work together to manage the Preserve America program. The main groups are the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the Department of the Interior.
Other partners include:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- U.S. General Services Administration
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- Council on Environmental Quality
Laura Bush, who was the First Lady of the United States, was a special supporter of Preserve America from the very beginning. Michelle Obama, who became First Lady after her, also continued to support and promote the program.
