Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

The Trust operates a revolving fund used to purchase, stabilize, and/or rehabilitate, and then resell Historic properties to preservation-minded buyers. In addition, the organization places and administers seventy-seven Preservation easements on sites throughout the state of Georgia. Annually, the Trust publishes and promotes a list of ten Historic sites threatened by demolition, neglect, lack of maintenance, or inappropriate development called places in peril. The intention is to encourage owners to preserve these places. The Georgia Trust also presents Preservation awards annually which recognize excellence in Preservation, restoration, and stewardship. During the fiscal year, fifteen awards were given including five for excellence in rehabilitation and three for excellence in stewardship. Looking forward, the Trust will include in its Preservation efforts sustainability with a certification program called Georgia Trust green to promote environmental sustainability in Historic homes across the state.

The organization encourages an understanding of Historic Preservation through its Historic Preservation institute and also through conferences, seminars, communications, and internships. During the fiscal year, 363 individuals attended 12 different classes offered on Historic Preservation. The rambler, a quarterly magazine, stimulates interest, educates, and facilitates participation in Historic Preservation. Twice a year the Georgia Trust hosts group tours of Historic sites in various regions of the state called rambles. This on-site experience allows the participants to learn about the sites experientially, gain a deeper understanding of Preservation techniques, and on-going Preservation efforts.

The Georgia Trust owns the hay house in macon, Georgia and actively preserves and manages this museum house for public benefit. This site encourages an understanding of Historic Preservation and history by allowing visitors to tour the property and engage in site-based education. During the year, over 20,000 individuals toured the hay house property. The Georgia Trust leases rhodes memorial hall from the state of Georgia under a renewed operating lease for 10 per year. The lease began on september 12, 2011 and expires on june 30, 2060. The organization uses rhodes memorial hall as its headquarters and for the benefit of the public as a museum, exhibit and lecture hall facility, etc. for the purpose of promoting the appreciaton and Preservation of the cultural heritage of Georgia.