Date: October 15, 2009
 |
| (National Park Service) |
 |
Nashville, Tenn. (October 15, 2009) —Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation presented its Preservation Honor Award to John Latschar, superintendent, Gettysburg National Military Park. Latschar, who lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was one of 23 award winners honored by the National Trust during its 2009 National Preservation Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
As superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, John Latschar leads the ongoing effort to preserve and interpret one of America’s best-known historic sites. Prior to Latschar’s appointment as superintendent in 1994, a succession of park managers had tried in vain for more than 25 years to complete a General Management Plan for the park. Today, thanks to Latschar’s efforts and partnerships he’s forged with local community leaders, a plan is in place that’s making a difference. A year ago, a new $103 million museum and visitor center opened, developed in partnership with the nonprofit Gettysburg Foundation. The 139,000-square-foot facility houses the meticulously restored Gettysburg Cyclorama, a massive 1880s painting that vividly portrays the terror and carnage of the three bloodiest days in American history.
In addition to his work guiding the development of the new visitor center, Latschar has undertaken an ambitious battlefield rehabilitation program, including replacing missing fence lines, orchards and farm lanes and restoring open fields and woodlands that played important roles in the battle. Latschar’s reach extends well beyond the borders of the battlefield and into the community of Gettysburg, where he has been credited with spurring revitalization of local treasures, including the David Wills House, the home where President Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address.
"John Latschar’s contributions to historic preservation cannot be overstated. His work has preserved and rehabilitated Gettysburg’s sacred ground and transformed the experience of visiting the battlefield for millions of annual visitors," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Through his leadership at Gettysburg, he is saving one of America’s most important historic treasures and serving as a model for many more."
The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear in the November/December issue of "Preservation Magazine" or on line at www.preservationnation.org/awards.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, 9 regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
(This news release is courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For further information, contact Media Relations at pr@nthp.org)
