National Trust most commonly refers to an organization dedicated to preserving the cultural or environmental treasures of a particular geographic region. They generally operate as private non-profit organizations, although some receive considerable support from their national government. The first such organization was the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, which is the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, formed in 1895 and operating as a charitable organisation. Other national trusts have largely been modeled on this original example.
Other notable National Trusts include:
- An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, established in 1948.
- Bahamas National Trust
- Barbados National Trust, founded in 1960.
- Bermuda National Trust, established in 1970.
- Din l-Art Helwa, the national trust of Malta
- Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, the national trust of Italy
- Heritage Canada
- The Land Conservancy of British Columbia, known also as TLC
- Ontario Heritage Trust
- Tantramar Heritage Trust, which operates in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
- Japan National Trust
- Manx National Trust
- Australian Council of National Trusts, federation of six state and two territorial National Trusts.
- National Trust for the Cayman Islands
- National Trust of Fiji
- National Trust of Guernsey
- National Trust for Historic Preservation, founded in 1949 by congressional charter in the United States
- National Trust Community Investment Corporation, a private for-profit subsidiary of the American organisation.
- National Trust for Jersey
- National Trust for Scotland, established in 1931.
- Queen Elizabeth II National Trust — New Zealand (open spaces)
- Saint Helena National Trust
- Saint Lucia National Trust
Famous quotes containing the words national and/or trust:
“In my public statements I have earnestly urged that there rested upon government many responsibilities which affect the moral and spiritual welfare of our people. The participation of women in elections has produced a keener realization of the importance of these questions and has contributed to higher national ideals. Moreover, it is through them that our national ideals are ingrained in our children.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)
“Now rest in peace, our patriot band;
Though far from nature’s limits thrown,
We trust they find a happier land,
A brighter sunshine of their own.”
—Philip Freneau (1752–1832)