On a regular basis, Preservation Ohio visits websites, social media pages and other online locations for our sister statewide historic preservation organizations across the country. These sites often reveal the “personality” of each organization, as several statewides have developed strong programming in a particular area.

A visit to the new website of Preservation North Carolina, for instance, quickly reveals that PNC has a two-decade long emphasis and expertise in the acquisition and sale of historic real estate across the state.  By clicking the first tab, “Buy Properties,” visitors can access a list of current properties for sale – each of which has either been acquired in fee simple by the organization, or is available through a transferable purchase option. PNC President Myrick Howard has twice visited Preservation Ohio to talk about the unique program, and members of our staff have traveled to Raleigh to experience their endangered properties program first-hand.

One of the best new websites for statewides was recently unveiled in New York. The site of the Preservation League of New York State includes a section for their legal services initiative, the only one of its kind in the country. Information on the program can be accessed under “Explore our Programs” on the bottom left of the site.

It is always informative to visit the website of Landmarks Illinois, an organization which is often involved in creative programming and cutting-edge issues in preservation. Currently, for instance, their lead stories include a feature on an alternative proposal developed by the organization for the proposed 2016 Olympic Village in Chicago, as well as a look at a hands-on renovation project involving Landmarks Illinois on the opposite side of the state. “Illinois Restoration Resources” (see icon near the bottom of the page) gives visitors the chance to search a database of preservation suppliers and professionals working in Illinois.

The website of the Utah Heritage Foundation in Salt Lake City includes coverage of the organization’s strong emphasis on tours, education and advocacy roles – as well as their new programming in “recent past” architecture. Also included are links to the organization’s collection of slideshows available for school groups, as well as to what is likely the only interactive game featured on any statewide preservation organization website in the country – the “Kearns Mansion and the Secret Silver Game.”

Photo: Screenshot of the website of the Preservation League of New York State