Travelers Companies Inc. and National Trust Launch Resilience Initiative in Los Angeles

The Eames House, an architectural gem designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949, has become a focal point for resilience efforts following extensive smoke damage sustained during the Palisades fire last year. The house was closed for five months due to the incident, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

The project, conducted in collaboration with the Charles and Ray Eames Foundation, aims to strengthen the landscape around the Eames House and enhance its adaptability to wildfire risks. The foundation is dedicated to maintaining and promoting the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames, ensuring the house remains a resource for innovation and inspiration for future generations.

In conjunction with the launch of the resilience initiative, a roundtable discussion was held at The Getty Center. Moderated by Adrian Scott Fine, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Conservancy, the event brought together scientists, business leaders, community advocates, and preservationists to discuss resilience practices specific to Los Angeles. This dialogue is expected to foster cross-sector solutions that can be applied to vulnerable neighborhoods, transforming them into fire-adapted communities.

Alan Schnitzer, Chairman and CEO of Travelers, emphasized the pressing need for communities to prepare for increasingly severe natural events. "The wildfires in Los Angeles underscore how urgently communities need to prepare for increasingly severe events," he stated. He highlighted that resilience involves not only recovery but also proactive measures to reduce vulnerability before disasters strike.

Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of safeguarding historic sites facing threats from natural disasters. "Our work to safeguard sites like the Eames House is about more than preserving the past; it’s about building stronger communities and fortifying our future," she said.

Adrienne Luce, Executive Director of the Charles and Ray Eames Foundation, added that the recent wildfires have underscored the significance of community gathering places like the Eames House. "We are grateful for Travelers’ commitment to this region and their investment in preserving the historic Eames House for generations to come," she remarked.

*Travelers Across America* was launched last year in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The initiative aims to raise awareness about resilience through the restoration and protection of historic landmarks nationwide. Beyond the Eames House project, the initiative is also focused on strengthening historic homes in low-to-moderate income communities in New Orleans, the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, and Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota.

This initiative represents a pioneering partnership between Travelers and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, positioning them as leaders in the movement toward community resilience and historic preservation.

The Travelers Companies, Inc. is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for automotive, home, and business sectors. As a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers employs over 30,000 individuals and recorded revenues of nearly $49 billion in 2025.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization focused on helping communities maintain and enhance the significance of historic places. Since its charter by Congress in 1949, the organization has worked to preserve the unique stories and places that contribute to community identity, promoting economic growth and civic engagement.

As Travelers and the National Trust embark on this crucial initiative, the Eames House stands not only as a symbol of architectural beauty but also as a beacon of hope for building resilient communities in the face of adversity.