Tennesseans seeking to enhance their communities through historic preservation have a rare opportunity coming this fall.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation is holding the National Preservation Conference: Sustaining the Future in Harmony with Our Pasts in Nashville, October 13-17, 2009. This annual conference is the premier educational and networking event for community leaders, volunteers, and staff working towards preservation goals. With approximately 100 educational and field sessions, special lectures, and networking opportunities, it is an excellent source for information, ideas, and inspiration. Participants will return to their communities with successful tactics and lessons from colleagues across the country.

The Tennessee Scholarship is designed to ensure that Tennessee’s cultural, economic, and geographical diversity is well represented at the National Preservation Conference. One hundred (100) scholarships are available for applicants whose attendance will benefit their community and whose commitment to historic preservation will be strengthened by their participation. Funded in part by the Tennessee Historical Commission, the scholarship covers registration for educational sessions and one field session; it does not cover transportation or lodging.  These registration fees would normally cost between $300-$500.

Tennessee Scholarship applications and complete information about the conference can be found online at www.preservationnation.org/conference.  Tennessee Scholarship applications are due June 1, 2009. 

The Tennessee Scholarship Program is administered through the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University.  For questions regarding the scholarship program please contact Anne-Leslie Owens at 615-494-8938 or alowens@mtsu.edu.