Sources for assistance in historic preservation

Individuals or citizen groups interested in historic preservation can avail themselves of professional advice and expertise through the assistance of several leading national organizations and publications.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, at 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036, is the only private, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to encourage public participation in the preservation of sites, buildings, and objects significant in United States history and culture. The trust's bookshop stocks over 2,000 titles on everything from tax incentives for preservation to colonial fabrics.

Both individuals and groups are eligible to join the trust. Its regional offices reach out to help local preservation groups organize themselves properly. They also give legal counsel, information and advice, and technical assistance. Regional offices are in Washington; Boston; San Francisco; Chicago; Oklahoma City; and Charleston, S.C.

The Historic House Association, 1600 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, was organized in 1978, with help from the National Trust, as a separate national, nonprofit, membership organization for private owners of old and historic properties in the United States. It represents the concerns of thousands of individuals, private organizations, and businesses in providing information and technical assistance, and in sponsoring conferences and seminars.

The Victorian Society, 219 South Sixth Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, is a national organization dedicated to studying and preserving elements of life in the 19th century. It has more than 35 state and local chapters and a national membership exceeding 7,000 individuals and organizations, including libraries, landmark commissions, historical societies, and preservation groups. This organization offers members bulletins, magazines and seminars. Bookstores are full of how-to books on renovation and restoration, but the monthly publication best known to old-house buffs is the Old- House Journal, published at 69-A Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11217.It is $16 a year. The new 1981 Old House Catalogue lists over 2,00 products, services, and suppliers useful for restoring , decorating, and furnishing the period house. It will be available by Nov. 15 at $9.95, plus $1 postage.