Press - Tulsa to Host National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference

Preservation Magazine News Conference

For Immediate Release
Contact: Virgil McDill, Communications & Marketing, 202-588-6218 Tulsa's Art Deco Treasures are Cover Story in latest Preservation Magazine

July/August Issue from National Trust for Historic Preservation Unveiled at Press Conference on Tuesday, June 24.
National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference to be held in Tulsa, October 21-25

Washington, DC (June 24, 2008)-The latest issue of Preservation Magazine, the award-winning magazine of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, features a cover story celebrating Tulsa's world class collection of art deco buildings, including the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, the Philcade Building and the Tulsa Union depot.

The July/August issue of Preservation-unveiled this morning at a ceremony in downtown Tulsa with Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, Preservation Magazine Editor James Schwartz, and representatives from Tulsa's architecture and preservation communities-shines a national spotlight on Tulsa, calling it "one of the nation's premier centers of art deco architecture, putting it in the classy company of Miami Beach, New York and Los Angeles." 

The magazine's feature on Tulsa also announces the National Trust for Historic Preservation's upcoming conference in the city. From October 21-25, Tulsa will play host to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Preservation Conference, a gathering that will bring more than 2,000 people to Tulsa to explore its architectural treasures and learn from its preservation success stories.

"On behalf of the city of Tulsa, I want to express my appreciation for this fabulous cover story about Tulsa's architecture," said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor. "People here in Tulsa are justifiably proud of our local art deco treasures. We welcome the national attention this article focuses on Tulsa, and are also looking forward to showing off our historic architecture during the National Preservation Conference this fall."

The National Preservation Conference is the largest gathering of its kind in the nation, and National Trust President Richard Moe said that the National Trust is especially excited to spend a week in Tulsa

"The number of stunning, historic art deco buildings in Tulsa testifies to the importance Tulsans place on preserving their architectural heritage," said Richard Moe. "I know that preservationists from all across the country will be impressed with Tulsa's collection of art deco buildings, which rivals that of any city in the nation."

James Schwartz, the editor of Preservation Magazine, commented on the selection of Tulsa for the cover of the magazine, and noted that Tulsa has lessons to teach all preservationists.

"Our editorial team was thrilled to put Tulsa on the cover of the July/August issue," Schwartz said. "We knew that the city's amazing collection of art deco buildings would surprise readers around the country--and we knew that Tulsa's experience would dramatize the importance of preservation. Just leaf through the magazine and take a look at the city's deco treasures. It's our guess that people from across the country will want to see them for themselves-and will better understand why saving structures from another era is so important."

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.

For more information visit http://www.PreservationNation.org.