The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training is a research, technology, and training center of the U.S. National Park Service located on the campus of Northwestern State University. Since its founding in 1994, NCPTT has awarded over $7 million in grants for research that fulfills its mission of advancing the use of science and technology in the field of historic preservation. NCPTT undertakes research at its in-house laboratories at Lee H. Nelson Hall in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Working in the fields of archeology, architecture, landscape architecture and materials conservation, the National Center accomplishes its mission through training, education, research, technology transfer and partnerships.[1]
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NCPTT has its beginnings in "Technologies for Prehistoric and Historic Preservation," the Office of Technology Assessment that U.S. Congress published in September 1986. This report was requested by the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to assess preservation technologies and their use by federal agencies in the implementation of laws relating to prehistoric and historic preservation. Among the major findings of this report was the need for:
The report cited the critical need to establish a federally funded institution as a mechanism to coordinate research, disseminate information and provide training about new technologies in preservation.[2]
NCPTT labs include a unique environmental chamber that allows researchers to test the effects of pollutants on cultural materials.
To facilitate preservation technology research, NCPTT maintains a broad partnership base that includes National Park Service sites; other federal agencies; state and tribal historic preservation offices; universities; private corporations; and local, state, national and international non-profit organizations.
NCPTT’s website and publications enable the National Center to deliver the latest news about preservation technologies to a variety of audiences. Additionally, its content on social media services is available through Creative Commons licenses.[1]
The Center's PTT Grants program provides direct and competitive grants to promote research and training opportunities in preservation technology.[1]
NCPTT's website provides instantly downloadable research from the Center's hundreds of PTT Grants products.[1]
The National Center develops and conducts seminars and workshops nationwide on topics like cemetery monument conservation. NCPTT promotes excellence in preservation by promoting external historic preservation training and education opportunities for professionals.[1]