The National Trust is aiming to raise £400,000 through its managed by DMS, retained charity specialist and direct marketing agency, which will be rolling out a letter and a "What the Romans did for us" educational leaflet door-drop in August.
Celebrity TV presenter Tony Robinson, who fronts Channel 4's 'Time Team, will be the signatory to the mailed letter. The leaflet drop will be sent out to The National Trust’s existing Donors, and members of the public, who either have an interest in history or live within proximity to the sites to make a donation that help keep Roman Britain alive.
Louise McRae, head of direct fundraising at the National Trust, said: "We want to engage the readers by getting them to imagine life in Roman Britain and linking this to how the Romans are still relevant today. With Tony Robinson supporting the campaign, we think it will have resonance both with our supporters, and help to engage a new audience."
Some key existing Roman heritage sites owned by the trust, such as Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire, Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland and Roman forts on the Dinefwr estate in Wales are among the main projects that will benefit from the Trust's 'Roman Britain Appeal'. As well as funding new archaeological digs to learn more, and make public site visits more interactive.
Jane Moore, account director at DMS, said: "This campaign is different from previous campaigns as it is 'themed' across a number of properties, as opposed to a property specific campaign, or a countryside or coastline campaign."
The National Trust charity is completely independent of government and relies on income on membership fees, donations and legacies, and revenue raised from commercial operations.