HISTORIC HOTELS OF AMERICA is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation¬ for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest Historic Hotels. Founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America has more than 295 historic hotels, comprised mostly of independently owned and operated properties. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity and are located throughout the United States of America, including 46 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. To be nominated and selected for membership, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance. HISTORIC HOTELS WORLDWIDE, the sister organization of Historic Hotels of America, is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including historic hotels, castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries and located across five continents. Member hotels of Historic Hotels Worldwide are authentic historic treasures, demonstrating historic preservation of the hotel and celebrating its historic significance.