They may not have a highly protective designation as regional landmarks, but three Sequim-area places are special to a group of locals.

Sequim's own chapter No. 1409 of Questers has targeted three "This Place Matters" locations as part of a nationwide effort to recognize important community places worth preserving.

"This Place Matters" is a campaign of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. (For more information, visit www.preservationnation.org.)

The National Trust and the Questers Organization are partnering to showcase the places that matter to them.

The Questers is an international organization whose mission is the study of antiques, and the support of historic restoration and preservation. (For more information, visit www.questers1944.org.)

Local sites include:

• the site of the future Museum and Arts Center. The museum is the only organization in Sequim authorized to collect artifacts in public trust, Questers say. Artifacts number more than 20,000 pieces. The center receives money only from private donations, the Elegant Flea Collectible Show, MAC Night, the Second Chance Consignment Shop and museum gift shop sales.

• the Capt. John Morris house. It is the only remaining building from the settlement of New Dungeness. As a resident of New Dungeness, Morris served as postmaster, county auditor and probate judge. This house, with tongue-and-groove paneling, awaits restoration.

• the Sequim Prairie (Pioneer Memorial) Cemetery. This site is a historical record of early Sequim burials from 1867-1904. Recovered remains were removed while tombstones were cleaned and set upright when possible, enclosed within chain-link fencing, and are maintained by Sequim Prairie Garden Club.