Washington, D.C. - The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced that the theme of Preservation Week 2001 is, "Restore, Renew, Rediscover Your Historic Neighborhood Schools!" Preservation Week will be celebrated May 13-19, 2001.

"In this age of sprawl, it's more important than ever to rediscover the role historic neighborhood schools play in towns and cities across the nation," said National Trust President Richard Moe.

Special this year, the National Trust is sponsoring a Preservation Week poster contest. It is open to non-profit groups, schools, school districts and state and local governments involved in promoting the continued use of older and historic neighborhood schools as educational facilities. The schools featured in the posters should be at least 50 years old, although exceptions can be made to the age guideline. They should have architectural merit, serve as community anchors and be currently in use as educational facilities. Cash awards of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-prize winners. For more information about the contest, contact Rob Nieweg at 202-588-6107. Deadline is March 31, 2001.