The Modernism + Recent Past program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation (aka TrustModern) has been absorbed into its Preservation10X effort, a new strategic plan for its programs and sites, eliminating the director’s position held by Christine Madrid French.

Under Chris’ leadership, the Modernism + Recent Past Program raised public awareness and supported grassroots advocacy across the country through the Modern Modules events and printed booklets, the Modernism in Hawaii context study, collaborative efforts with the Farnsworth House and the Glass House, and the Angel Grant Program.  TrustModern was established in 2009 and supported in part by the Henry Luce Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the LaFetra Foundation.

Christine will be moving on to new opportunities including teaching architectural history at the University of Central Florida, continuing her efforts in preservation advocacy, and working with Balcony Press to publish her book on mid-20th century Mission 66 visitor centers in our national parks.  She received her Master’s degree in architectural history from the University of Virginia and is a frequent writer and speaker on modern architecture but is best known for her tenacious advocacy for Richard Neutra’s 1961 Cyclorama building at Gettysburg National Military Park, even when it conflicted with the official position taken by the National Park Service.  So if you want to save a modern building and need a brainstorming advice, she’s the one to contact: madridfrench@gmail.com.  If you’re one of the 2000+ people who follow @TrustModern on Twitter, it’s been discontinued so you’ll want to switch to @ArchMod or @madridfrench.