The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the official start of the 2002 National Historic Preservation Week poster contest. Any school, nonprofit organization or state/local government can enter to win as much as $2,000 in prizes. Preservation Week is an annual nationwide celebration that will take place May 12-18, 2002.

The winning poster will embody the theme, "Preserving the Spirit of Place," which is about more than saving historic buildings. It's about embracing the many layers of the past. From Native American Archaeology to Atlanta's inner neighborhoods, America's heritage belongs to everyone from all walks of life. Celebrating the rich tapestry of America's past is essential to ensuring its future - and Preservation week is the time for communities to show how they value the diversity that make them unique. The National Trust is looking for colorful, creative and evocative entries.

The winning poster will become the National Trust's official Preservation Week poster, and will be seen in displays and celebrations across the nation. Last year, three winners and 10 honorable mentions were chosen from 145 entries nationwide.

The National Trust will award cash prizes of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 to the top three winners. The deadline is January 4, 2002.

Certain rules and requirements apply; call 202-588-6037, send an email to preservationweek@nthp.org, or visit www.nationaltrust.org/preservationweek for more information.