As the preamble of the National Historic Preservation Act foresaw, these historic places are being preserved as living parts of communities nationwide in order that they can continue to teach all Americans about their past and help them better understand the present that has grown out of that past. While the ability of places to teach is a key rationale for preservation, education is also necessary before preservation can take place. Americans needed to be engaged in the history of their early leaders and educated about the threats to the places associated with them before Mount Vernon and Independence Hall could be saved. It was public concern about vandalism threatening the great archeological monuments of the West that led Congress to approve the Antiquities Act of 1906, which authorized presidents to designate as national monuments sites on public lands that were of great prehistoric, historic, or natural value. Those who appreciated the architectural landmarks of America's Colonial past and hoped to save the historic neighborhoods of its cities had to help political leaders in their communities and states see the beauty and importance of the historic places around them, in spite of neglect and decay.
Education continues to be an important tool in the historic preservation process.
Preservation is frequently the result of community-based, grassroots efforts to recognize and protect important places. A group of interested people, concerned about potential threats to a place they value, studies its historical development, identifies all properties that are associated either with the place itself or with a related historical theme, prepares nomination forms for local designation or National Register listing, and sponsors educational programs for community residents and others. These activities prior to National Register listing are important to gaining support for designation or registration and for establishing a framework for long-term protection. Educational activities after listing are equally important. The information in National Register nominations can and should be used in long-term, continuing programs to make the general public aware of the value of the historic places in their communities.