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 eighty-one 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 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. The Trust also awarded 106,000 in grants to seventeen Historic sites. The Trust successfully spearheaded the effort to pass new Historic rehabilitation tax credit legislation. As the statewide leader of the Historic Preservation taskforce, the Trust worked with partnering organizations to mobilize stakeholders and raise awareness of the economic benefits of Preservation. As a result, senate bill 496 passed, extending both the commercial and residential programs through 2029 and expanding the residential program. The new legislation will allow for even broader revitalization of our state's important Historic infrastructure.

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, 599 individuals attended seven 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 24,325 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.