What types of places can be nominated to the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list?

A wide range of historic places can be nominated. Places do not need to be nationally significant or “famous” to make the list. We are looking for places with compelling stories that matter to you and the people in your community.

For 2027, we particularly invite nominations for historic places facing threats related to proposed changes to federal historic preservation laws and regulations.

As part of the National Trust’s continued commitment to telling the full American story, we also welcome nominations that highlight a unique or overlooked aspect of American history and that expand our understanding of our shared national heritage. This includes places important to communities who are historically underrepresented within preservation, including, but not limited to, those associated with women, immigrants, Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latine Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQ+ communities.

What criteria guide the selection of sites for the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list?

When evaluating a potential place for inclusion on the list, the National Trust considers a range of factors, including:

• the history and significance of the place
• the urgency and nature of the threat
• local support and active advocacy for preservation underway
• the potential for creative solutions to restore or revitalize the place
• whether inclusion on the list may have an impact on saving or activating the place

What makes a strong 11 Most Endangered Historic Places nomination?

Strong nominations clearly explain why the place matters, what specific threat it faces, who is working to save it, and how national attention from the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program could help advance a realistic preservation solution.

Does my site need to be landmarked or on a historic register to be considered?

No, sites are not required to be officially landmarked in any way. We gladly accept nominations for sites that have no historic designation.

What kinds of threats can the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list help resolve?

Inclusion on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list raises public awareness and can be very effective at discouraging demolition or inappropriate development, or at helping to resolve a pattern of neglect. It can help increase pressure on property owners, elected officials, and other decision-makers to support preservation solutions.

If the threat is a lack of funding, the visibility provided by inclusion on the list can bring new partners to the table and energize fundraising. However, listing does not guarantee financial resources or an immediate save. Preservation is hard work and often takes a long time. Experience shows that 11 Most Endangered Historic Places designation is most effective when it amplifies locally-led advocacy efforts to save a place that matters to local communities.

Do nominations need to come from organizations, or can members of the general public apply?

Members of the general public are welcome to submit a nomination. Representatives of organizations are also welcome to nominate a place. Individual nominators are encouraged to connect with organizations in your area that could support your advocacy efforts. Potential allies include local governments, historic preservation commissions, neighborhood development nonprofits, local foundations, block clubs, local or state preservation organizations, social justice organizations, historical societies, social media advocacy groups, and many more.

Think as broadly as possible about who might be willing and able to support your efforts. Whether your place is selected for the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list or not, rallying support for the threatened place from groups and organizations in your area will bolster your advocacy efforts and help build momentum for a save.

Does the owner of the historic place need to know that I’m submitting a nomination? Is owner support required?

No. You do not have to inform the property owner about your nomination, and owner support is not required. However, if the site you nominate is selected, the National Trust will work with you to make sure that property owner(s) and other key stakeholders are notified before the public announcement. 11 Most Endangered Historic Places designations are not used to “ambush” the owners of historic places.

Are there any reasons not to nominate a site?

The 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list generates a great deal of media visibility for listed sites. If an endangered site is undergoing delicate negotiations or other preservation interventions that could be undermined by media visibility, an 11 Most Endangered Historic Places designation might not be the right tool.

If my site is in imminent danger of being demolished before the list is announced, should I still apply?

The list will be announced in May 2027. If there is a possibility that demolition might not take place until after May 2027, you are welcome to apply but be sure your nomination emphasizes the urgency of the situation. If you have not already done so, we also encourage you to reach out to local and statewide preservation organizations for immediate support.

What is the process for selecting sites for the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list?

The first step is to submit a nomination through Submittable by October 1, 2026. Nominations may be submitted by any person or organization.

The National Trust will review all submitted nominations. Some applicants may be contacted by National Trust staff to provide further information in November/December 2026. Senior executive staff decide the final list, with input from an advisory panel including experts in preservation and allied fields. The 2027 list will be announced in May 2027.

What’s the timeline, and how often can applicants expect to hear from National Trust staff during the process?

Nominations will be accepted through October 1, 2026. Applicants should expect to hear from the National Trust in November/December 2026 regarding the status of their nomination. Some applicants may be contacted by National Trust staff to provide further information. The 2027 list will be announced in May 2027.

Does getting a site on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list prevent it from being demolished?

No, inclusion on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list does not prevent a site from being demolished. It is a purely honorific title with no legal or regulatory restrictions attached. However, the visibility that comes from designation can help encourage decision-makers to find alternatives to demolition.

If my site is selected, will I receive money or assistance from the National Trust?

Selected places receive technical assistance from National Trust staff to help maximize the public impact of the designation. Support may include:

• planning for the public announcement
• assistance telling the site’s story to national and regional audiences
• support engaging media, volunteers, supporters, and potential partners
• technical assistance and advice related to the preservation effort

Please note: inclusion on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list does not include a grant or direct funding from the National Trust.

What if the help my site really needs is funding—are there National Trust grants available?

Although 11 Most Endangered Historic Places designation does not include designated funding, the National Trust has grant programs that can provide financial assistance for planning, education, and brick-and-mortar projects. 11 Most Endangered Historic Places designations are not required to apply for grants from the National Trust.

How will I work with the National Trust team to bring greater attention to the endangered place?

National Trust staff, including experts in historic preservation and media relations, work closely with the nominator and local advocates to raise awareness about the designation. Successful advocacy campaigns depend upon active local advocates. In short, we can’t do it alone; we work in partnership with you—the people who know these historic places the best.

Can nominators remain anonymous?

We do need nominators to share their contact information with the National Trust so we can work with you to review your submission. However, nominators may remain anonymous to the public and to the media if they wish. We do not release nominator names or organizations without permission.

Can I apply again if I previously applied and was not successful?

Yes. While re-applying does not guarantee selection, we are always happy to review repeat applications. Please be sure to explain what has changed with your site since you last applied. There are many instances where nominators applied for several years before being selected for the list.

If my site was previously included on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list but is still threatened, or faces a new threat, can I apply again?

Yes. We select a new list of 11 sites every year, but we do sometimes re-list a site that was previously included. Potential re-listings will be evaluated using the same criteria as new listings. Make your best case for why the site should be considered for listing again, and please be sure to explain any changes since the first 11 Most Endangered Historic Places designation.

Will my nomination be rejected if I do not have all the requested information?

Our informed review of your nomination depends upon the quality of information submitted. Please provide as much information as possible. Some questions are required to submit the form, so those fields must contain a response.

Be sure to formally submit the nomination through Submittable. The National Trust cannot review information that remains in an unsubmitted draft.

Where can I find technical assistance using the Submittable platform?

The National Trust uses Submittable to collect nominations for the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program. For technical assistance with the nomination, use Submittable’s Help Center and tutorials.

• Submittable Help Center
• Getting Started with Submittable
• How can I submit?
• How can I invite people to collaborate with me on a Submission?
• How Can I Safelist Notification Emails From Submittable?

To ensure you are receiving notifications from Submittable about the status of your nomination, make sure you have selected "Yes, I want to receive email notifications" in your Submitter Profile under Personal Settings/User Settings. You may also want to safelist Submittable.com with your email provider.

How can I contact National Trust staff?

If you have questions about nominating a specific site, please email us at 11Most@savingplaces.org.

What is the America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program?

Since its first publication in 1988, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has helped to save hundreds of places that are intrinsically linked with the American story—places such as Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay, Civil Rights landmark Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago, revered Modernist icons like the soaring TWA Terminal at New York’s JFK Airport, Native American cultural landscapes like Rassawek, Virginia, and President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C.

Why 11 historic places? Why not 10 like other lists?

According to National Trust lore, when the first list was being put together in 1988, the organization had narrowed it down to 11 places and left it to then-president J. Jackson Walter to select the worthiest 10. Walter thought all 11 deserved recognitions, so the first year featured 11 sites, and it has remained 11 ever since.

How can inclusion on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list help to save and reactivate places?

The 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program uplifts and catalyzes community-led preservation work through a high-impact advocacy and public awareness campaign resulting in increased visibility, public attention, and new resources to save and activate historic places for the public good.

Placement on the list raises public awareness and can be a powerful tool for local advocates to rally public support around the country to help save a threatened site. The National Trust’s annual announcement generates coverage in national media outlets such as NPR, The New York Times, USA Today, and the Associated Press, along with regional and local media outlets. The media spotlight can help amplify local advocacy efforts to save historic places, creating pressure for a change of course. Listing can also help attract new stakeholders and supporters to the cause of saving a historic place.

In some instances, inclusion on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list brought endangered sites to the attention of potential new owners or bolstered efforts to attract funding from charitable foundations or individual donors.

What are some examples of places that have been on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list?

Two exhibits on Google Arts & Culture provide a look back on six different places previously included on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. Read about each site’s significance and hear directly from advocates about the impact of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places on the preservation and activation of the site.

• Part I: Explore Mount Vernon, Chicano/a/x Community Murals of Colorado, and Rassawek
• Part II: Explore Olivewood Cemetery, Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Memorial Hospital, and Camp Naco

You can also view the full list of sites previously included on the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list.