Historic preservation, as an illuminator of U.S. history and culture, can be used to support and enhance the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools. In line with the mission of schools, historic preservation involves the maintenance of culture--the sites, structures, and objects that constitute the tangible legacy from the past and reflect the identities, values, traditions, and aspirations of the past citizens of the United States. The school curriculum reform in the 1980s recommends an extensive core curriculum that reflects common ideas, experiences, and traditions; and historic homes, bridges, workplaces, and other structures are tangible forms of these legacies. An outcome of common learning is cultural literacy which can be enhanced by including video programs and photographs of landmark sites. Cultural literacy is fostered through the strong revival of interest in geography and history, and landmark sites can be readily connected to the fundamental themes of these disciplines. Heritage education can foster the common memory that a diverse population needs in order to survive and thrive. (DJC)