Eighteen of the 29 National Trust Historic Sites are National Historic Landmarks, the nation’s highest recognition of historical significance, and join about 2500 other NHLs (by comparison, there are about 80,000 sites on the National Register). They range widely in time from Acoma Sky City (about 1200) to Farnsworth House and Glass House (both from about 1950).
The designation can be confusing for the public, who often assume they are owned, operated, and funded by the federal government. For most Landmarks, the situation is actually quite the opposite: most are privately owned and operated—the NHL designation is mostly honorific and provides limited protection and little funding. The National Historic Landmark Stewards Association, a new non-profit organization devoted to the protection, preservation, and promotion of NHLs, is a great resource for ideas, help, networking, and training. This week on June 5, their annual meeting will be held at President Lincoln’s Cottage, a National Trust Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, with presentations by several NTHP staff, including David Brown, Executive Vice President.
A complete list of NTHS that are NHLs is available on the Resource section of the NTHS Blog, and if you want to learn more about the NHL program (including a searchable database), visit http://www.nps.gov/nhl/INDEX.htm.
