National Trust sponsors poster contest

Queen Anne schoolhouse or Romanesque campus, every historic school in the country has a chance to become famous: The National Trust for Historic Preservation is seeking entries for its National Historic Preservation Week 2001 poster contest. Cash awards of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-prize winners. Deadline for entries is March 31.

"This is the first-ever Preservation Week poster contest," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust, which works to save diverse historic places and revitalize communities. "Preservation Week has always focused on grassroots preservation groups. We're bringing that focus to a new level this year, encouraging schools and communities to enter the contest and gain national recognition for their efforts. Whether your school is endangered or has been saved, take this opportunity to show your support for local historic schools, our irreplaceable neighborhood anchors."

Because of deferred maintenance, arbitrary policies that promote "mega-school sprawl," and a mistaken belief that rehabilitation always costs more than new construction, these walkable, community-oriented schools are fast disappearing. Last year, historic neighborhood school's made the National Trust's 2000 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places; the National Trust subsequently released Historic Neighborhood Schools in the Age of Sprawl: Why Johnny Can't Walk to School, a report examining the challenges facing America's older school buildings.

Time and again, preservation-savvy school districts have demonstrated that well-maintained and creatively rehabilitated older and historic schools can provide students with first-class educational facilities and, at the same time, help strengthen the fabric of the nation's communities. These outstanding contributions deserve broader recognition.

To celebrate these successes - and raise awareness of still-threatened school buildings - the theme of National Historic Preservation Week 2001 is, "Restore, Renew, Rediscover Your Historic Neighborhood Schools!" Preservation Week will be celebrated May 13-19.

The contest is open to non-profit groups, schools, school districts and state and local governments involved in promoting the continued use of older and historic neighborhood schools as educational facilities.

Posters should reflect the enduring public values and unique contributions of the people who learn, teach, and play in older and historic neighborhood schools. They should also recognize how such buildings provide students with a unique and enriching educational setting, express civic pride, and help anchor traditional, walkable neighborhoods.

For full contest details and requirements, contact Rob Nieweg at 202-588-6107 or visit Preservation Week Online at www.nthp.org/preservationweek.