In the 1960’s and 1970’s, thousands of Downtowns were dying as businesses moved to strip centers and malls. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)studied what could be done to revitalize Downtowns and found that a town that maintains its historic core is a town that has pride in itself. That pride is usually a magnet for businesses looking for a place to invest and for customers looking for a uniquely pleasant place to shop, dine, or reside. Consequently, the NTHP developed a very common-sense, low-cost, self-help, four-step approach to downtown revitalization.

Nationwide efforts to take back Main Street were put in motion, but there was a desperate need for expertise and support. The need was soon filled by the NTHP. In 1980, after three years of pilot studies, the NTHP established the National Main Street Center to provide the support and encourage the revitalization of Main Street based on historic preservation and sound business practices. To date, 46 states and more than 1,600 communities participate in the Main Street Program nationwide.