Surprisingly, I've not seen anything on this or other popular boards about the National Trust's and American Express' 2011 Partners in Preservation initiative.

This year's community is the Twin Cities and there are some great properties including the James J. Hill house, MTM's Jackson Street Roundhouse, and the Wayzata Depot.

As in past contests, you get one vote per day and voting began yesterday. The top vote-getter will be funded. Other projects will be selected by a committee who considers merit and votes.

This year, voting is being conducted via Facebook. Check out the details at http://www.preservationnation.org/partners-in-preservation/

Last year the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie (Seattle) did very well and secured a $50,000 grant for the Chapel Car Messenger of Peace rehabilitation thanks in part to voters on this and other boards. Here is an opportunity to help make a difference for MTM or another worthy project if you so choose.

--Richard

Just put in my daily vote for MTM, and see they are way behind other sites. They could sure use all the votes they can get.