Preserve America

The order encourages federal agencies to seek partnerships with state, tribal, and local governments and the private sector to make more efficient and informed use of these resources for economic development and other recognized public benefits.

In addition, it directs the Secretary of Commerce to assist in development of local and regional heritage tourism programs.

[3] Legislation providing permanent authorization for the Preserve America program was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in March 2009.

[4][5] Laura Bush, former First Lady of the United States, was the Honorary Chair of Preserve America from the program's inception.

[1] Her successor as First Lady, Michelle Obama, continued that tradition by serving an honorary role in supporting and promoting Preserve America.