The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in partnership with financial supporter American Express, has opened a window to the world of adventure during Preservation Month this May. Today--Day 22--rub shoulders with Hollywood royalty. Sign up to listen-in to a conversation between award-winning Actress Phylicia Rashad, Co-Chair and Brand Ambassador of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and its Executive Director, Brent Leggs.

Since 1973, the National Trust has publicly promoted May as Preservation Month—31 days to celebrate the historic places that make up the fabric of our lives. But given the ongoing reality of social distancing, place-based celebration is currently impossible, as almost all the National Trust’s 27 Historic Sites are closed, joining cultural resources and institutions across the country that currently are off limits to visitors. But there is no stopping virtual visitors who can wander the rooms of beautiful iconic homes, roam heavenly gardens, zoom in to peek at hideaways shut off from public view, or breakout on a road trip across the country.

Through this first-ever online campaign, Americans can celebrate Virtual Preservation Month by stepping out while staying in. A new experience will be unlocked every day of May just by clicking SavingPlaces.org/PreservationMonth.

Today, we invite you to join a conversation between Ms. Phylicia Rashad, Co-Chair and Brand Ambassador of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and its Executive Director, Brent Leggs. They will discuss the power of preservation, historic African American places that inspire all Americans to build a better world, and why the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund matters. From personal stories about their connection to places and historical figures in American history, to the important role that all Americans can play to help tell a more inclusive American story, this conversation will amplify the critical importance of preserving African American historic places.

“Historic places are so powerful that, even virtually, they come alive in wonderful ways,” said Katherine Malone-France, Chief Preservation Officer for the National Trust. “We are delighted to partner with American Express on this digital journey at a time when Americans need to feel connected and inspired. We look forward to continuing the 47-year tradition of Preservation Month by bringing 31 historic places to life in a way that is accessible to anyone who wants a momentary escape.”

“Historic sites are part of the fabric that make local communities unique,” said Timothy J. McClimon, President of the American Express Foundation. “American Express has a long history of supporting efforts to preserve historically important and culturally significant places all over the world, and we are proud to build on these efforts by partnering with the National Trust to help people experience these 31 sites virtually.”

The National Trust and American Express have previously partnered on Partners in Preservation, a national initiative that helps preserve historic sites in the U.S. by inspiring local citizens to show their support for such places in their communities. Over the last 13 years, the program has provided more than $28 million in support of 260 historic sites across the country.

For more information about Virtual Preservation Month and to see the experiences that have already been unlocked, please visit SavingPlaces.org/PreservationMonth.