News Release
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
a.
Contact: Media Relations, 202.588.6141, pr@nthp.org
National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Huntsville, Alabama,
to its 2010 List of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
First Year that Public Will Vote for Fan Favorite Destination
Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2010)—Today, the National Trust for Historic
Preservation named Huntsville, Alabama, one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive
Destinations. Huntsville, nominated by the Huntsville/Madison County
Convention & Visitors Bureau, was selected for its diligent efforts to
protect and share the City’s heritage, which ranges from deep southern roots
to space exploration, and for its remarkable leadership in sustainability,
serving as a role model for cities across America. Huntsville is the first
town in Alabama to be named a Distinctive Destination.
In the month of
February, Huntsville will be participating in the first-ever public online
voting contest for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.
For 10 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually
selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational
experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination.
From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a
commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization, the
selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic
sense of place.
“Huntsville has beautifully preserved and protected so many of the diverse
stories of its past, from its southern culture and heritage to its role as
‘America’s Space Capital,’ and its citizens are not stopping there,” said
Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“This designation recognizes not only their commitment to the past, but also
their dedication to a sustainable future.”
Huntsville’s story is long and rich and has ramifications that have stretched
beyond even our planet. Founded in 1805 and later the site of Alabama’s
first elections and the drafting of the state constitution, the city offers
visitors a window into Alabama’s early days. In the 1950s, the city spun
toward the future when a group of German scientists moved in and developed
the rockets that sent man to the moon. More recently, Huntsville citizens,
including over 15,000 volunteers, have transformed their city into a leader
in the green movement, creatively reusing abandoned buildings, preserving
over one third of the urban area for green space and developing a well-used
public transportation system. Today, the city features a vibrant center with
five historic districts, a large collection of antebellum homes, former
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factories that have been converted into arts centers, and a wide variety of
museums, outdoor activities and local shops and restaurants to meet the
desires of any traveler.
Highlights:
 The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, earth’s largest space museum, is home
to the 363-foot Saturn V rocket which took men to the moon
 Twickenham
Historic
District,
embracing
the
state’s
largest
concentration of antebellum homes, with over 60 dating back to the early
19th century, is one of five in the city
 Huntsville Depot Museum, one of the nation’s oldest remaining railroad
structures, was built in 1860 and displays graffiti left behind by
Confederate soldiers during the Civil War
 Merrimack Hall, a transformed manufacturing company building, is now a
performing arts center offering shows, classes and more
 Harrison Brothers Hardware Store, established in 1879, was saved by the
community and is the oldest continuously operated hardware store in the
state
 One third of Huntsville is green space, including three major preserves,
all larger than New York’s Central Park, over 33 miles of walking and
biking trails and a 120-acre botanical garden
 Alabama Constitution Village, an open-air museum comprising 8 buildings,
transports visitors back in time to Alabama’s early statehood days with
period reenactments and many activities
For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations
will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, any legal
resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote as often as they
like for their favorite city or town on this year’s list. The winner of
the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010. Voters are
automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any
Historic Hotel of America. No purchase necessary. Offer void where
prohibited. Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd for official rules,
information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this
year’s destinations, and to begin voting!
To download high resolution images and video of this year’s Dozen Distinctive
Destinations, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.
The 2010 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:
Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from kayaking on the
Cedar River to shopping on its acclaimed Main Street, Cedar Falls
delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings.
St. Louis, Mo. – Destination highlights are nestled amongst the historic
brick buildings that line St. Louis’ cobblestone streets, proving the city
lives up to its iconic status as the “Gateway to the West.”
Marquette, Mich. – Named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America,
cosmopolitan Marquette offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront
and an equally enchanting downtown.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The great Rocky Mountains overlook the thriving
businesses of Fort Collins’ Old Town Square – a vibrant area that so
epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually
used as a model for “Main Street, USA” at Disneyland.
Provincetown, Mass. – This New England seaport town, site of the 1620 signing
of the Mayflower Compact, positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next
to National Seashore dunes and beaches.
Simsbury, Conn. – This quintessential small town appeals to the heritage
traveler with its top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real
working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice
cream.
Rockland, Maine – With great pride in its maritime past and present, Rockland
blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining
opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums.
Chestnut Hill, Pa. – Enjoying a unique combination of colonial and modern
history, Chestnut Hill features historic homes ranging from Federal to
Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at
nearby Wissahickon Valley Park.
Huntsville, Ala. – Still preserving the largest collection of antebellum
homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become
“America’s Space Capital.”
The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Va. – The Crooked Road
celebrates the region’s rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint
historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music
culture.
Bastrop, Tex. – Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop takes visitors
back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along
the banks of the Colorado River.
Sitka, Alaska – Sitka prides itself on its diverse cultural heritage and
offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the
extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore the
largest temperate rainforest in the world.
2010 marks the eleventh announcement of the National Trust for Historic
Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 132
Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a
complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit
www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to
cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic
downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a
strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In
each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s
character and sense of place.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a nonprofit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy
the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history
– and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for
Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic
development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in
Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner
organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National
Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and
resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities
committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the
future of America’s stories.
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