4.15.2008 - 12:30pm ET

(CSRwire) NEW ORLEANS - April 15, 2008 – American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation today launched a community-based historic preservation initiative supporting New Orleans as part of the American Express Partners in Preservation program. American Express is committing $400,000 in preservation grants to New Orleans. There are nine historic sites in neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Katrina eligible for the grant monies. Each has played a crucial role in bringing the New Orleans community together. People who live in the local communities and across the country are invited to participate in the initiative by sharing stories, photos and comments about their favorite historic places in New Orleans and the nine historic sites that are competing for grant funding at www.partnersinpreservation.com.

The American Express Partners in Preservation program in New Orleans was created to help preserve historic sites that serve as community gathering spaces, and that reflect New Orleans' rich cultural history, architecture and landscape, while also engaging the community in preservation, driving tourism and stimulating economic development. Additionally, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation developed the slate of nine sites in an effort to raise awareness of some of the region's most important, but often not widely recognized "hidden gems." The public's participation in the grant selection process—via stories posted to the Web site—will ensure that this remains a community-centered initiative.

"Following Hurricane Katrina, American Express responded by providing disaster relief to the communities and people of New Orleans and then supported the National Trust in its efforts to help rebuild the city. With the Partners in Preservation program, we have the opportunity to make an additional sustainable contribution in New Orleans that will help preserve the city's historic legacy and provide gathering places for the people of New Orleans," said Timothy J. McClimon, president, American Express Foundation. "We invite people living in New Orleans and across the country to show their support by sharing their stories online."

"Anyone who has visited New Orleans knows how the city's diverse collection of historic buildings contributes to its unique charm," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "New Orleans is struggling to maintain its authenticity in the aftermath of Katrina, and a top priority for the National Trust for Historic Preservation is helping to preserve its rich cultural heritage. We are proud to join with American Express' Partners in Preservation program to help ensure that historic places are preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations."

Launched in 2006, the Partners in Preservation program is a philanthropic initiative in which American Express, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has pledged $5.5 million over a five-year period toward preserving historic sites in the United States. In September 2006, American Express allocated preservation grants to sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. And in 2007, Chicagoland historic sites were the focus of the Partners in Preservation program.

Historic New Orleans Sites on the Slate

The nine New Orleans sites reflect the diversity of New Orleans' heritage, encompassing churches, Creole Cottages, cemeteries, and the building known as the "Birthplace of Jazz." The scope of the preservation needs at these sites ranges from fixing leaking roofs, stabilizing foundations, removal of false wall coverings to reveal original exteriors, to adapting buildings for further use as assets in the community.

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation used specific criteria to select the nine sites on the slate including their historic, architectural and cultural significance, demonstrated community support for the sites, role as community gathering spaces, damage from Hurricane Katrina, and the ability to complete a preservation project within one year. The nine selected sites are as follows:

St. James A.M.E. Church (Mid-City National Register District)

More information about each of these sites can be found at www.partnersinpreservation.com.

Share Your Story, Show Your Support

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation encourage all New Orleans residents, and people who care about the city, to start sharing their stories on April 15th via a dedicated website, www.partnersinpreservation.com. American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a special Advisory Committee comprised of local New Orleans dignitaries will review the public's stories about the nine historic sites, along with each site's story, background, and monetary needs, and determine how the $400,000 in preservation grants will be awarded. The sites being awarded American Express Partners in Preservation grants will be announced to the public on May 13th 2008.

About American Express

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

Historic preservation has long been the hallmark of American Express' involvement in the community, reflecting its recognition of the contribution of sites and monuments to a sense of national and local identity and the role that their preservation can play in attracting visitors and revitalizing neighborhoods. As early as 1983, American Express launched a cause-related marketing effort that raised $1.7 million for the preservation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. From 1996 to 2005, American Express contributed more than $10 million to help preserve 126 historic sites in 62 countries from the World Monuments Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites. In June 2006, the company announced the American Express Partners in Preservation initiative, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation as its partner in the U.S. and the World Monuments Fund as its partner internationally.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

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, nine 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. For more information visit www.PreservationNation.org.

Members of the media can find photos and additional information at http://press.nationaltrust.org.

For more information please contact:

Kajal Jhaveri
American Express
(212) 640-4110

Virgil McDill
National Trust for Historic Preservation
(202) 588-6218

Chris Heuwetter
M. Silver Associates
(954) 765-3636

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