Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Aimee Jorjani testified today before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in Washington, D.C. on her nomination to become the first full-time chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the committee’s ranking member, said the ACHP has an important mission, ensuring federal agencies are good stewards of the nation’s heritage, and will be served well by a full-time chairman.

“I think this change is in keeping with the importance of the office and its mission,” Senator Cantwell said. “I hope the change will increase the stature and independence of the council and strengthen their voice within this Administration. “

In May, we celebrate the rich cultures and heritage that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the history of the United States.

People Encouraged to ‘Picture Yourself in a Historic Place’

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- In recognition of National Historic Preservation Month in May, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), National Park Service, and National Trust for Historic Preservation today announced a photo contest inviting people to enter by sharing photos they have taken of themselves, family, and friends on their own social media sites and using the hashtag #MyHistoricPlace.

The ACHP continues to honor those who volunteer their time for historic preservation during April, National Volunteer Month. The Museum at Eldridge Street is a Preserve America Steward for demonstrating a successful use of volunteer time and commitment in order to help care for our nation’s historic heritage.

Roberta Berken has spent the last 18 years as a docent at the Museum at Eldridge Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and she says it has been a great gift to her.

Berken moved to New York City in 2002 and was looking for something interesting to do. While attending a program at the Eldridge Street Synagogue, someone approached her and suggested she look into becoming a docent there.

The ACHP hosted a meeting on April 18 with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Tribal Working Group to introduce the members to the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106. Office of Native American Affairs Director Valerie Hauser gave an overview of the ACHP and how the office works to assist tribes. Office of Federal Agency Programs Director Reid Nelson talked about the Section 106 process. Working group members were encouraged to take the free webinar, What is Section 106?