Our Approach
Public Awareness & Education
The Trust works to bring attention to the needs of the National Mall and for public and private support to preserve, restore and enrich this iconic landscape. Convening thought leaders, key stakeholders and government officials is an indispensable part of the efforts to propel our initiatives for the National Mall. The Trust’s goal for its future educational programming is to provide intellectual, emotional, inspirational and patriotic connection to the purpose and significance of the National Mall.
For America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026 and beyond—the National Mall Gateway is a new digital tool built to empower educators, students, and people around the world to “visit” and connect to the National Mall’s historic purpose like never before — both in person and virtually from anywhere.
The Trust for the National Mall is pleased to with the National Mall and Memorial Parks Division of the National Park Service for an ongoing series of virtual educational programs designed for elementary school audiences.
The Trust for the National Mall developed the History, Heroes and Hope Award in 2014 to honor the spirit and ideals that the National Mall represents for our country. The Award has recognized dedicated public servants, long-time volunteers, and patriotic donors, all committed to restoring, enriching, and preserving our National Mall.
A partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Trust for the National Mall, and the National Park Service, alongside civic partner Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), The Tidal Basin Ideas Lab is an urgent call to action to address the pressing need for critical repairs and improvements, including a crumbling sea wall and daily flooding, taking into consideration environment, culture and visitor experience. The project marks a critical juncture for the landscape of the nation’s capital, envisioning and reshaping a deeply symbolic and beloved public space that communicates the history, values, and aspirations of the country.
Hosted by Norah O’Donnell, Anchor & Managing Editor, CBS Evening News, our program features entertaining performances along with special guests in an engaging tribute to the individuals, organizations, and movements that represent the ideals of the National Mall.
March On is a new experiential educational program concept that complements the organization’s preservation and capital enhancement projects, and ultimately, inspires pride and a deeper connection to the National Mall’s contribution to our nation’s past, present, and future. It is an opportunity to “stand in the footsteps” of the leaders of the most historic moments on the National Mall — To understand the powerful significance of this special place in bringing about change and shaping the course of America’s future.
The Trust for the National Mall, The National Cherry Blossom Festival and the National Park Service are thrilled to announce the introduction of the #BloomCam, to allow people to virtually monitor DC’s famous budding cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin in real time as they bloom.
The U.S. Park Police Horse Mounted Unit is one of the oldest police equestrian units in the United States. The Trust for the National Mall led this milestone project to create a new Education Center to welcome the public and a state-of-the-art sustainable home for the horses and officers of the Mounted Unit on the National Mall.
Did you know the National Recycling on the Mall program recycles more than 200 tons of materials per year?
The Trust for the National Mall, in collaboration with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, has added nearly 50 additional World War II veterans’ stories to the Trust’s award-winning World War II Memorial mobile app.
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Restoration & Beautification
We provide private funding, in-kind resources, and expertise in design and management, to capital improvement projects on the National Mall. Our goal is to deliver modern and resilient solutions to critical maintenance issues and needed upgrades that improve the iconic structures, historic buildings, landscapes, visitor amenities and educational opportunities, to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Volunteer & Community Engagement
We organize year-round opportunities for individuals, organizations and companies to participate in service projects and other volunteer opportunities to support our partners at the National Park Service.