DC Preservation League

The DC Preservation League (DCPL), founded in 1971 as “Don’t Tear It Down,” is a non-profit membership-supported organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Washington’s historic buildings and open spaces for future generations. As Washington’s citywide preservation advocacy organization, DCPL identifies significant buildings and neighborhoods throughout the District, monitors threats to them, and increases public awareness of historic resources. Each year, DCPL prepares a list of Washington’s Most Endangered Places to draw attention to threats to historic buildings and places. DCPL also documents and nominates historically significant places to the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and offers technical assistance to neighborhoods groups. Our education and outreach programs include tours, lectures, conferences, and the publication of Historic District brochures and a quarterly newsletter. DCPL also tracks legislation related to preservation and reviews and comments on proposed developments that affect historic buildings and neighborhoods.