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:

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