This is particularly true in a Steve Berry thriller. Always there is something from the past — lost, forgotten — but something that continues to hold great relevance today. History is so much more than mere tangible items. It is the story of who we are. It is writings, images, art, memorabilia, much of which sits in so many museums and archives (both public and private). One estimate is that there are more than 1,700,000,000 rare and unique books, periodicals, and other documents currently contained in collections around the world, at least 16% of which, 270,000,000, are endangered because of poor conservation. Of the estimated 21,000,000 paintings, sculptures, and decorative art now in those collections, 26%, 5,500,000, are threatened. 
What if these rarities are not preserved? The answer is clear. Those links to our past will be irretrievably broken. Money for historic preservation and conservation is one of the first things cut from both governments' and individuals' budgets. Steve and Elizabeth thought it was time to come up with an innovative way to raise money.
That's what History Matters is all about.
(Visit the FAQ page for more information on how we help communities raise money for restoration and preservation.)
