Latest news with #CarolQuillen
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express Launch Applications for Fifth Year of "Backing Historic Small Restaurants" Grant Program
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Applications are now open to small restaurant owners who qualify for Backing Historic Small Restaurants (BHSR), a grant program from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supported by American Express, which helps small and independent restaurants preserve their histories while celebrating their cuisines and supporting their local economies. Now in its fifth year, the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program will provide $2.5 million in grants to 50 U.S. historic restaurants. The program has already provided over $5 million over the past four years to 130 restaurant owners in all 50 states, who have been impacted by economic hardship or disasters. This initiative is part of America Express' larger "Backing Small" grants program which includes its Backing International Small Restaurants program, also launching today. Together, the "Backing Small" restaurant grant programs will provide $3.95 million in funding and other resources in 2025 to restaurants around the world. "American Express is proud to back local champions who strengthen their communities, and that includes many small and independent restaurants," said Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability and President, American Express Foundation. "Food brings people together and builds community. We aim to offer restaurants the support they need to expand, innovate, update their spaces, and improve operations, so they continue to grow and bring vitality to neighborhoods across the U.S and around the world." "American Express is an invaluable partner to the National Trust as together we work to strengthen neighborhoods across the country by supporting these small businesses that bring people together," said Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Grantees from past years say the funding helped them make much needed infrastructure changes. Stephen Reeve, a 2024 Backing Historic Small Restaurants winner, runs New York Café in Ketchikan, Alaska — the state's longest operating restaurant, which adventurer Tony Ohashi built more than 120 years ago. The grant helped Stephen restore key elements of the building façade and better document the café's history with historic signage. "We want to honor the families that created the New York Café and much more of the surrounding historic Stedman-Thomas neighborhood," Reeve said. Applications are open today and close on May 30. Restaurant owners can apply for the grant program here. Community members can also nominate their favorite restaurant here. ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS "BACKING SMALL" INITIATIVES American Express launched Backing Historic Small Restaurants, and its sister program Backing International Small Restaurants, when many restaurants were forced to close their doors during the pandemic, and expanded the grant support over the years to help small restaurant owners address their evolving needs. As the founder of Small Business Saturday in 2010, American Express has brought communities together by connecting small business owners with local customers when these businesses needed the foot traffic. Since 2020, their grants have supported nearly 5,000 small businesses across six countries and 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. Learn more about American Express' community impact here. ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities maintain and enhance the power of historic places. Chartered by Congress in 1949 and supported by partners, friends, and champions nationwide, we help preserve the places and stories that make communities unique. Through the stewardship and revitalization of historic sites, we help communities foster economic growth, create healthier environments, and build a stronger, shared sense of civic duty and belonging. Press contact: PR@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Trust for Historic Preservation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cedar Key named one of America's 11 most endangered historic places
CEDAR KEY, Fla. (WFLA) — The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Cedar Key on this year's list of America's 11 most endangered historic places, recognizing it as one of the country's greatest treasures facing an even greater threat. Cedar Key is an archipelago of small islands off Florida's west coast. The area serves as a unique historical representation of Old Florida, with its small coastal communities integrating fishing and local businesses that make it attractive for small-scale tourism. This historic Florida staple continues to recover from the hurricanes that have ravaged it over the last three years, especially Helene in 2024. Inclusion on this year's list may help bring a spotlight to the risks small, isolated coastal communities such as Cedar Key face when up against severe storms. 'We hope for Cedar Key to be a story of community resilience instead of endangerment,' said National Trust President Carol Quillen. 'With the increasing threats of severe weather events and rising sea levels, we must turn our attention to the small, historic, often isolated coastalcommunities that need our support.' Cedar Key Mayor Jeff Webb spoke at an event honoring the city's inclusion and shared his vision for recovery and the future of Cedar Key. 'The people of Cedar Key are working hard to keep heritage going into the future,' Webb said. 'We remember the past but are not staying in it. We want to move forward not by losing the heritage and charm but finding a new evolution for Old Florida. Finding how we keep Old Florida but not stay still.' The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit organization working to save America's historic places. To view the full list, visit the National Trust's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Turtle building added to national 'endangered places' list
NIAGARA FALLS — A grassroots effort to reawaken the building commonly known as 'The Turtle' in downtown Niagara Falls has picked up support from a 75-year-old nationwide preservation organization that specializes in saving unique places across America. The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Wednesday that it has named the turtle-shaped former Native American Center for the Living Arts building to its 2025 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The group's designation describes the Turtle as a 'powerful symbol of Indigenous heritage,' while noting, 'Unfortunately, the building has been vacant for almost 30 years, and the owner previously shared plans for demolition. A coalition has formed in hopes of 'reawakening' the Turtle once again.' Sites are selected by the trust based on historical significance, architectural importance and severity of threat faced. Placement on the list can help raise awareness about a site, which can help mobilize financing and support for local preservation efforts. 'As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, we must acknowledge and support the Indigenous history that has so often been hidden and forgotten,' said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. 'The plans to 'reawaken' the Turtle would provide exactly the celebration of tribal heritage and culture that we need more than ever.' Di Gao, senior director of research and development for the National Trust, joined members of the local group, Friends of the Niagara Turtle, in formally announcing the building's designation during a press conference on Wednesday at Cataract House Park across the street from the former Native American arts center in downtown Niagara Falls. She likened the designation to 'an act of hope' aimed at spurring wider interest in the effort to preserve and reopen the Turtle. 'Over it's four decades of existence, the list has become a highly effective tool for sharing the stories of some our nation's most captivating sites and galvanizing public support for over 350 places and we're proud to say, after they've been included on this list, only a handful have been lost,' Gao said. Opened in 1981 as a center for celebrating Native American arts, the Turtle building has been closed and vacant since 1995. Northern Arapaho architect Dennis Sun Rhodes designed the building in the shape of a turtle to honor the Haudenosaunee creation story that the Earth was built on the back of a Great Turtle. The three-story, 67,000-square-foot building, located at 25 Rainbow Blvd., features a geodesic dome roof 'shell' and large porthole 'eye' windows. 'The Turtle is a powerful symbol of Indigenous heritage and was once a hub for fostering education, cultural preservation and community healing,' Gao said. 'We've included the Turtle on the endangered list because it has now been vacant for nearly 30 years and is not yet a locally designated landmark. Yet these walls hold community memories and promise for future generations.' The building is currently owned by the private company, Niagara Falls Redevelopment, which previously opposed efforts to have the building designated by the city as a local landmark. NFR did not immediately respond to a request for comment, however, the company has previously indicated through its spokesperson that any potential for future renovation would depend entirely on the proposed use and that the company has not received 'viable interest' in redeveloping the site since it acquired it from the city in 1997. The local non-profit group Friends of the Turtle was formed in the wake of the Niagara Falls City Council's decision to reject a request by the city's Historic Preservation Commission to have the building designated as a local landmark. The Friends are receiving support in their efforts to 'reawaken' the Turtle from Preservation Buffalo Niagara, a local group that works to preserve historic and culturally significant sites across Western New York. Supporters of the preservation effort say the building embodies the self-determination and preservation of the Haudenosaunee who, in the mid-1970s, embarked on the Turtle's construction as part of an effort to preserve their arts and culture after the negative impact of the Indian boarding schools and centuries of the United States Government controlling nearly every aspect of tribal life. They also view the building as a prime and exceedingly rare example of a cross between Postmodern and Indigenous architecture. Preservationists say the building's design blends Postmodern approaches to anthropomorphism in conjunction with meaningful Haudenosaunee symbols and practices embodied in the function and form of the building. Friends members say their coalition includes more than 1,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and that they have engaged extensively with the Haudenosaunee Nations and other Indigenous communities who are interested in revitalizing the building as a cultural resource. Plans for the building could include re-establishing it as a cultural center offering exhibitions, dance and music performances, and educational experiences highlighting Native American heritage, culture, and languages. Shaun Wilson, a member of the Mohawk and Turtle Clan who serves as the chairman of the board for the Friends of the Niagara Turtle, said he believes the Turtle could come alive and thrive once again as a center for celebrating Indigenous culture and arts, partly because times have changed a lot since the building closed in 1981. Wilson believes a new group of operators would greatly benefit from something the earlier operators did not have: Access to the world through marketing and promotion on the internet. He said he believes operators of the building would be in a much better position today to attract visitors and support for an Indigenous cultural center inside a unique building that would be unlike any other attraction of its kind, not just in New York but in the United States. 'I think, historically, the Turtle was, looking back on it, it probably could have been welcomed by the community more,' he said. 'It was a different time when it did operate. It was the first building of its kind and something like this here in New York state could have the Indigenous community re-learning its culture in this building. We have the community today that could operate this building.' Wilson said his group is working with local architect John Baptiste from Anowara Architecture as it moves forward with the preservation initiative. He said a key step in the process will likely involve a walk-through that would allow for a closer examination of the building's condition, which Wilson said Friends of the Turtle members have been unable to do to date. While he acknowledged the potential cost of renovation may be high, Wilson said Friends members are hoping that by increasing the public's understanding of the significance of the Turtle, they will be able to put together a 'viable' plan that the building's owners have said no one has been able to produce. 'We had to start somewhere, so we started with community awareness and that there's potential to save the building,' Wilson said.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
These 2 Western NC rivers were named among America's 11 most endangered historic places
Two Western North Carolina rivers have been placed on a yearly list of America's most endangered historic places, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene's devastating effects. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been publishing its "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places" lists since 1988. As of the 38th iteration, only "a handful" of the more than 350 historic places named on the lists have been lost over the years according to the historic preservation trust. "Across the United States, compelling, meaningful historic sites are at risk, whether from natural disasters, underutilization, neglect, or lack of awareness," NTHP President and CEO Carol Quillen said in a May 6 news release. "Each site on this year's list has inspired passionate supporters from their surrounding communities to work together to save these cherished landmarks and repurpose them for the public, now and into the future." The French Broad and Swannanoa rivers made the 2025 more than six months after Helene caused historic flooding of the rivers in late September 2024. This flooding, along with ravaging WNC communities, causing some $60 billion in damage and killing more than 100 people, also wreaked havoc on river health. The Citizen Times previously reported the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to place the river-dwelling Eastern hellbender on the endangered species list. More: Asheville seeks design team to help rebuild Helene-damaged French Broad riverfront parks Swannanoa, French Broad rivers among America's most 11 endangered historic places Following Helene, organizations such as MountainTrue, Riverlink and other environmental nonprofits have worked to repair the damage caused by the storm. These organizations and other river health groups have deployed volunteers to assist in removing massive amounts of debris from waterways, rebuilt river banks and advocated for more sustainable practices to protect ecosystems from future damage. Despite the destruction, there was plenty of early good news surrounding the health of the two rivers. In November 2024, MountainTrue's French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson described the reasons that he was "very encouraged with the pollution levels found so far in our waterways and river sediment" to The News-Record & Sentinel. Still, it will take years for the rivers to completely recover from the extensive storm damage. Donations can be made to MountainTrue at and to Riverlink at Endangered species in WNC rivers "The French Broad River basin once had one of the most diverse assemblies of aquatic fauna in the state; now it is one of the most heavily altered basins in western North Carolina," reads a report from the NC Department of Environmental Quality. The same report adds that, despite major changes, the basin remains home to a number of aquatic and wetland communities that support diverse species with national or state significance. Within the French Broad River basin, the NC Natural Heritage Program listed: Endangered species of plants and animals (USFWS list) : 8 Threatened species (USFWS list) : 3 Species of Concern (USFWS list) : 43 Endangered species (state of NC list) : 27 Threatened species (state of NC list) : 17 Significantly Rare species (state of NC list) : 49 Species of Concern (state of NC list): 38 The 11 most endangered historic places of 2025 More information about all 11 endangered places can be found at The full list from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in alphabetical order included: Cedar Key, Florida French Broad and Swannanoa River Corridors, Western North Carolina Hotel Casa Blanca, Idlewild, Michigan May Hicks Curtis House, Flagstaff, Arizona Mystery Castle, Phoenix, Arizona Oregon Caves Chateau, Caves Junction, Oregon Pamunkey Indian Reservation, King William County, Virginia San Juan Hotel, San Juan, Texas Terminal Island Japanese American Tuna Street Buildings, Los Angeles, California The Turtle, Niagara Falls, New York The Wellington, Pine Hill, New York More: Dredged up by Helene, 'magical' eastern hellbender now proposed for endangered species status More: Helene swept away WNC trout and anglers. Restoring fishing industry 'will be challenging' Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@ This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Western NC rivers among 11 most endangered historic places of 2025
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
This Florida town is considered one of America's most endangered historic sites. See where
The National Trust for Historic Preservation unveiled its annual list of America's "11 Most Endangered Historic Places," which includes a fishing village in Florida. The listings began in 1988 and the latest was released May 7. The recognition doesn't come with funding but often garners attention and support for the sites, according to USA TODAY. 'Across the United States, compelling, meaningful historic sites are at risk, whether from natural disasters, underutilization, neglect, or lack of awareness,' Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said in a statement. 'Each site on this year's list has inspired passionate supporters from their surrounding communities to work together to save these cherished landmarks and repurpose them for the public, now and into the future. Their leadership shows the power of preservation to create stronger communities, energized local economies, and a healthier environment for everyone.' Where is Cedar Key? Cedar Key is an island city in Levy County, off the northwest coast of Florida in the Gulf of America (the former Gulf of Mexico, as renamed by President Trump executive order). Why was Cedar Key added to the endangered historical sites list? The National Trust for Historic Preservation included Cedar Key in its most recent list, saying it is "increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and severe storm events," including a record storm surge brought by Hurricane Helene in 2024. "As Cedar Key recovers and plans for the future, support and funding are needed to implement preservation-sensitive resilience plans, ensuring that this historic community representative of 'Old Florida' can continue to thrive," the National Trust for Historic Preservation wrote. The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in its release offered a variety of solutions to the problem, and noted that it worked with the University of Florida on a "Resilient Cedar Key Adaptation Plan." Ideas developed from the plan include "elevating and wet-proofing historic buildings, improving drainage to protect a historic cemetery, and using nature-based 'living shoreline' approaches to reduce the impacts of storm surges." How badly was Cedar Key damaged by Hurricane Helene? The popular weekend destination and fishing village was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene's 84-mph wind gusts and 10-foot storm surge on Sept. 26, 2024. Its surge topped the previous record set by Idalia's 7-foot storm surge in 2023, according to the Florida Climate Center. Helene was responsible for roughly 250 fatalities in the United States, including 34 in Florida. While the exact damage figures are still being determined, an estimate from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information said the storm was responsible for an estimated $78.7 billion in damage. What are the other 'Most Endangered Historic Places' on the list? The National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2025 list of endangered historic places also includes: Cedar Key, Florida Hotel Casa Blanca, Idlewild, Michigan , served as a premier lodging site for African American travelers, entertainers, and thought leaders during segregation. However, after integration, like many formerly segregated Black resorts, Idlewild experienced lower visitation and economic disinvestment, and Hotel Casa Blanca has now been vacant for over 30 years. French Broad and Swannanoa River Corridors, Western North Carolina , including the city of Asheville and other communities damaged by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. May Hicks Curtis House, Flagstaff, Arizona , commemorates May Hicks Curtis, who sewed the first Arizona state flag in 1911. The house where she lived and worked for decades must be relocated and the city of Flagstaff is working to restore it for community use. Mystery Castle, Phoenix, Arizona , constructed between 1934 and 1945 by Boyce Luther Gulley, who built the complex by hand for his daughter Mary Lou without plans, permits, or formal architectural or engineering training. Mary Lou and her mother Frances transformed the castle into a nationally known tourist attraction from the 1950s-2000s, but it is now in a state of disrepair. Oregon Caves Chateau, Caves Junction, Oregon , closed in 2018 because of its need for extensive repairs, served an important economic role in its rural region for 91 years and could again if revitalized. Pamunkey Indian Reservation, King William County, Virginia , the Pamunkey people have lived in Tsennacommacah, on and around the lands now known as the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in Virginia, for at least 15,000 years. However, tribal lands are now at risk, as sea level rise and increasing storm frequency and severity could cause most of the Reservation to become inaccessible within 75 years. Terminal Island Japanese American Tuna Street Buildings, Los Angeles, California , with only two buildings remaining on Tuna Street, a community that was forcibly removed and incarcerated during World War II. The buildings are now owned by the Port of Los Angeles, which is considering demolition. San Juan Hotel, San Juan, Texas , built in 1920, has long been one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. The Turtle, Niagara Falls, New York , completed in 1981 by Arapaho architect Dennis Sun Rhodes, the building, which has been vacant for three decades, stands as a powerful symbol of Indigenous heritage. The Wellington, Pine Hill, New York, is one of few surviving large-scale wood-frame resorts built in the Catskills in the late 1800s. Community members have purchased the building to serve as a food market, cafe, and affordable housing, but need additional funding to bring it to reality. The Gainesville Sun contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Cedar Key Florida's Most Endangered Historical Sites on 2025 list
