Iron Mountain's Legacy of Support in Preserving U.S. History

The Living Legacy Initiative is Iron Mountain’s commitment to preserve and make accessible cultural and historical information and artifacts. We provide our expertise and financial support to charitable groups focused on safeguarding culturally important sites, objects, and human narratives worldwide.

As part of the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our Living Legacy Initiative brings to the forefront five pivotal stories that have shaped American culture from our founding to the present. By exploring diverse perspectives—including the American Revolution, President Lincoln’s legacy, and September 11th—these projects demonstrate how specific sites reflect national values and history. We invite you to browse five historical preservation projects presented by three of our incredible partners.

Immersive experiences with CyArk

The George Wythe House in Williamsburg, Virginia virtual tour offers a perspective on the Revolutionary era through the life of an influential yet often overlooked figure. As a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a mentor to founding leaders, George Wythe maintained a household that included both revolutionary thinkers and enslaved individuals, making his home a vivid reflection of that era's complex realities. Take the George Wythe Tapestry online tour with CyArk.

As one of the last remaining examples of the Rosenwald Schools program, the Historic Russell School in Hillsborough, NC was part of a major effort during segregation to expand educational opportunities for Black students across the American South. Built in 1926, the largely unaltered structure stands as a powerful reminder of the communities that came together to pursue education and self-determination despite systemic inequality. The Russell School is supported by a strong local community, including former students and their families, and offers a rare and deeply personal connection to this chapter of American history. Explore the Russell School in more detail on CyArk’s Tapestry tour.

Located steps from the 9/11 Memorial, O’Hara’s Restaurant and Pub serves as more than a neighborhood landmark: it’s a living tribute to the first responders, service members, and countless individuals whose lives were forever changed on September 11, 2001. Adorned in more than 7,000 patches, photographs, and mementos left by firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and visitors from around the world, O’Hara’s preserves powerful stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Visit O’Hara’s, see the first responder badges and listen to their stories on CyArk’s Tapestry tour.

By creating access to the space and sharing the personal stories connected to these places, our partner CyArk helps audiences engage with a deeply human and still unfolding chapter of modern American history.

Supporting education with The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a new partner for our Living Legacy Initiative this year. Our funding helped support NYPL’s Center for Educators and Schools creation of educational guides for educator and student use in classrooms across the nation. These educational resources are based on NYPL’s exhibition, "Declaring America: 1776 and Beyond", which unpacks the complex, diverse, and powerful stories of the American Revolution—from 1776 to today.

By showcasing archival items from the Library’s collections, which include posters, founding documents, and contemporary artworks, the exhibition invites visitors of all ages to explore America's complex history. We’re honored to partner with NYPL and invite you to check out the exhibit in person at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in New York or online.

Commemorating Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence

With support from the Living Legacy Initiative, the Lincoln Presidential Foundation produced yet another impressive documentary, “Conceived in Liberty: Lincoln and the American Experiment” - which commemorates the U.S. 250th Anniversary by exploring Abraham Lincoln's view of the Declaration of Independence, including his efforts to preserve America's system of self-governance. Watch the recorded premiere here.

As we reflect on these stories and the people and places that protect them, we’re reminded of the importance of preserving the diverse narratives that define our nation. Through our Living Legacy Initiative, we remain dedicated to ensuring these vital pieces of American heritage are protected, accessible, and understood for generations to come. Join us in celebrating these projects and the enduring power of our shared past.