The fund arrives as preservationists push back against attempts to weaken Section 106 regulations, a cornerstone of federal historic protection. Leggs, speaking at the Washington National Cathedral, argued that the nation’s architectural and cultural legacy requires a unified front from law firms, community activists, and policy experts. The initiative will provide the financial bedrock for protecting sites ranging from local landmarks to national monuments currently facing legislative or commercial pressure.
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National Trust Launches $10M Legal Defense Fund for Historic Sites
Facing what he describes as a generational threat to American heritage, National Trust for Historic Preservation CEO Brent Leggs unveiled a $10 million campaign at the 2026 National Preservation Summit. The new defense fund aims to bankroll legal battles and advocacy efforts to shield iconic sites from shifting federal regulations.
The summit, themed "All People Are Created Equal," convened over 500 leaders to discuss the intersection of civil rights, architecture, and civic life. The gathering featured insights from figures including Harvard scholar Sarah Lewis and civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill. By prioritizing legal defense alongside community revitalization, the National Trust seeks to modernize its strategy for safeguarding the tangible stories that define American identity.
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