10 Most 2025: Historic Preservation Funding Cuts

For the 30th anniversary of the 10 Most Program, Preservation New Jersey added an 11th nomination to the list.

Historic preservation is not a luxury—it is a public responsibility. Across our towns and cities, historic sites tell the story of who we are, where we came from, and how our communities were built. Yet proposed cuts to historic preservation funding threaten to silence these stories and erase the cultural, architectural, and civic heritage that gives our places meaning. 

Funding for preservation supports more than just old buildings—it protects the character of our neighborhoods, fuels local economies through tourism and revitalization, and fosters a shared identity rooted in history. Once lost, these places cannot be rebuilt. Cutting preservation budgets puts countless landmarks at risk—from Revolutionary War sites and civil rights landmarks to working-class neighborhoods and culturally significant community spaces. 

We urge lawmakers and decision-makers at every level to reject these cuts and reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding our shared history. Now, more than ever, we must invest in preserving the places that connect us to our past and inspire future generations.