A landmark program kicks off its ninth year with a restoration event honoring the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King -

According to survey results recently released – just in time for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – more respondents ( 26 percent ) chose Dr. King as the most legendary figure in modern history than any other notable person. 

Hampton Hotels, which conducted the survey, also announced that it would honor Dr. King with a massive restoration of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn. – the site where he was assassinated – as part of its award-winning Save-A-Landmark program.

The refurbishment of the National Civil Rights Museum by Hampton will take place in late March and will be the largest effort in the program's history – more than 100 volunteers will help get the museum ready for the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination. 

The event will also serve as a kick-off for the Save-A-Landmark program's ninth year, which has been dubbed the year of "Landmark Legends".  During the next 12 months, Hampton Hotels and its employee-volunteers will restore sites that honor some of the most distinguished people in world history – legendary figures that have inspired change, overcome challenge and made a difference.

"As always, we're ready to roll up our sleeves and do whatever is needed – paint, reconstruct, landscape, anything the sites need – to salute these luminaries and assist with the upkeep of landmarks built in their honor," said Judy Christa-Cathey, Vice President of brand marketing for Hampton Hotels ( www.hamptoninn.com ).

"Dr. King is just one shining example of someone who inspired positive change. We are helping the Museum prepare for the anniversary events marking his life and accomplishments."

According to Hampton's 'Landmark Legends Survey', not only is Dr King the biggest legend in modern history, his famous "I Have a Dream" speech is also so well known that more than a third ( 36 percent ) of Americans rank this as the most legendary phrase of all time.

From helping the 80-foot Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okla. through to the historic World War II destroyer U.S.S. Laffey in Mount Pleasant, S.C., the Save-A-Landmark program has helped research landmarks in need, promoted landmark sites and their importance, facilitated hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours, donated several tons of supplies and worked with matching grants – all at an investment of more than $2.5 million.  Hampton employee-volunteers work hand-in-hand on the landmarks while Hampton provides the dollars to refurbish selected sites.

Landmark nominations have been a key element of the Save-A-Landmark program's success since its inception in 2000, with thousands of nominations provided by the public.

The public can visit the recently launched "Landmark Legends" page at the Save-A-Landmark site, and click on "submit a landmark," to enter their nomination for a legendary landmark. Also, those looking to stand in the shadow of renowned people and their landmarks can access the site's database for dozens of ideas.

About the "Landmark Legends Survey"
The Hampton Landmark Legends Survey was conducted by Kelton Research in January 2008 using an email invitation and an online survey.  Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population ages 18 and over.  Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation.

About Hampton Hotels
Hampton, which includes Hampton Inn ( www.hamptoninn.com ) and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels, is a mid-priced leader in the lodging segment.