I have spent the summer interning at the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the department of Public Affairs. Equipped with a year of preservation experience from the Civil War Trust, expanding my knowledge of practices and public relations at the National Trust seemed like a logical next step in my professional development.
As a member of the Public Affairs team, I assisted with the launch of the 2015 List of America’s Most Endangered Places, which was the most diverse list ever compiled. This included drafting press releases and key messages, conducting photo research, and coordinating between the members of the team for a cohesive launch of the 2015 list. I was also privy to discussions about the new “This Place Matters” campaign, which encourages the public to show their support for a specific site and why it matters to them.
The National Trust had recently reframed its mission and priorities to appeal to a younger and more diverse audience. I found this experience to be a refreshing and empowering stance on preservation. It isn’t just the task of older generations to care about historic places, but rather of all of us. The National Trust’s commitment to diversity is equally inspiring. The goal is to preserve places that matter to all Americans, not just the victors or a single, pervasive narrative.
I have learned a great deal from this experience about media relations, public affairs, and community outreach – but more so I learned about new techniques of audience cultivation, especially for new, younger, and more diverse groups. I hope to use the tools and knowledge I’ve gained to make whichever historical venue I ultimately work at more inclusive and appealing to all audiences.