American Samoa gains federal designation to preserve cultural, natural heritage

American Samoa named a Preserve America Community

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono says first lady Michelle Obama has informed him that the U.S. territory has been designated a Preserve America Community.

Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy their cultural and natural heritage.

Community status recognizes those that use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs.

American Samoa is the 814th community to receive the designation since the Preserve America’s inception in 2003.

Obama wrote Tulafono in February that the territory “holds a treasured place in the American story.”