Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation

The Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic and culturally significant sites across Alabama. With a mission to protect and promote the state's diverse heritage, the trust supports various preservation efforts, ensuring that the stories of those who built, lived in, and created these places are preserved for future generations.

History and Purpose

Established with the goal of safeguarding Alabama's rich historical landscape, the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation has been active since obtaining tax-exempt status in October 1988. The organization focuses on a wide range of sites, including indigenous mound sites, Trail of Tears roadbeds, unmarked cemeteries of enslaved people, plantations, schools, churches, and even rocket development sites. By advocating for the preservation of these sites, the trust aims to contribute to a more sustainable, beautiful, and equitable Alabama.

Programs and Partnerships

The Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation collaborates with other organizations, such as the Alabama Historical Commission, to identify and preserve at-risk historic sites through programs like Places in Peril. This initiative highlights endangered sites in need of preservation efforts and public awareness to secure their future. By engaging the public and working with local communities, the trust educates the populace about the significance and importance of preserving Alabama's cultural and historical heritage.

Mission and Impact

The trust's mission emphasizes not only the preservation of historic places but also the importance of people and their stories. It aims to foster a more inclusive approach to historic preservation, recognizing the urgent need to act on behalf of Alabama's diverse cultural and historical sites. Through educational efforts and advocacy, the organization seeks to create a stronger appreciation for the state's historical legacy and to ensure that these sites remain vibrant components of Alabama's identity for generations to come.