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Historic preservation in New York facts for kids

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Historic preservation in New York is all about saving important places and things in New York. This includes old buildings, ships, special burial grounds, and even forests and clean water. The goal is to keep these things safe so they can teach us about the past, the people who lived here, and the events that happened long ago.

Many different groups help with this. The government, from the national level down to local towns, offers programs and money to protect historic sites. For example, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York Harbor are owned and managed by the government. There are also non-profit groups, like historical societies and museums, that work hard to save history. Even private landowners help by taking care of historical features on their own property.

Federal Programs to Protect History

The United States government has several ways to protect historic places in New York. These include areas managed by the National Park Service, the National Register of Historic Places, and the National Historic Landmark program.

National Park Service Areas

New York doesn't have any "National Parks" like Yellowstone, but it has 20 other special areas managed by the National Park Service. These places are mostly focused on protecting historical sites. They get the highest level of protection from the government.

Here are some examples of these important places:

  • National Monuments: These are areas set aside to protect a specific historic or natural feature.

* African Burial Ground National Monument: This monument in New York City protects the burial site of over 400 enslaved Africans from the 17th and 18th centuries. It was discovered during construction. * Statue of Liberty National Monument: This famous landmark in New York Harbor represents freedom and democracy. * Castle Clinton National Monument: An old fort in Manhattan that has served many purposes, from a fort to an opera house.

  • National Historical Parks: These parks preserve areas connected to important historical events.

* Saratoga National Historical Park: This park protects the site of a major battle during the American Revolutionary War. * Women's Rights National Historical Park: This park in Seneca Falls tells the story of the first women's rights convention.

  • National Historic Sites: These are places connected to important people or events.

* Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site: The home of the 32nd U.S. President. * Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site: The home of the famous First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. * Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site: A grand estate that shows how wealthy Americans lived in the Gilded Age.

  • National Memorials: These honor important people or events.

* General Grant National Memorial: The tomb of Ulysses S. Grant, a Civil War general and 18th U.S. President. * Federal Hall National Memorial: The site where George Washington was inaugurated as the first U.S. President.

National Historic Landmarks

A National Historic Landmark (NHL) is a building, site, structure, object, or district that is officially recognized by the U.S. government for its outstanding historical importance. New York has 257 NHLs, which is more than 10% of all NHLs in the entire United States! Some of these are also National Park Service areas.

Registered Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official list of the nation's historic places. New York has over 5,000 properties and districts listed on the NRHP. This includes all the National Park Service areas and National Historic Landmarks. Being on this list helps protect these places and can sometimes offer tax benefits for their owners.

New York State Programs

New York State also has its own programs to protect historic sites.

State Historic Sites

New York State manages 38 State Historic Sites. These are places that the state owns and protects because of their historical importance. Many of these sites are also listed as National Historic Landmarks or on the National Register of Historic Places.

Some examples include:

State-Listed Historic Sites

Before a site can be considered for the National Register of Historic Places, it often gets a state listing first. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation helps decide which sites are important enough to be listed. This means some sites might be recognized by the state but not yet by the federal government.

New York City Programs

New York City has its own special group, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. It was created after the beautiful old Penn Station building was torn down. This commission works to find and protect important landmarks within New York City.

Other Organizations Helping Preservation

Some organizations that are partly government-run, like the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, also help with historic preservation. For example, the Bridge Authority bought Boldt Castle for just one dollar, agreeing to use all the money it earns to keep the castle preserved.

Looking for Clues from the Past (Archeology)

Sometimes, during construction projects, important historical sites are discovered. For instance, the African Burial Ground in New York City was found when a new building was being constructed. Road projects often require special teams to check for archeological sites, like old Native American remains, before building begins. These sites help us learn about people who lived long ago.

Historical Societies

Across New York, many historical societies work to preserve local history. These groups collect old documents, photos, and artifacts, and often run museums or historic homes. They help people learn about their community's past.

Some examples of historical societies include:

Many towns also have their own local historians and websites dedicated to their history, sharing interesting facts about their communities.

History Museums

New York is home to many history museums. Some are run by historical societies, others by towns or the state, and some are independent. For example, the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse is a private non-profit that tells the story of the Erie Canal. It's located in an old building where canal boats used to be weighed.

People Who Champion Preservation

Many dedicated people have worked hard to save historic places in New York. Some notable preservationists include:

  • Jane Jacobs (1916–2006): A famous writer and activist who fought to protect neighborhoods from destructive urban planning.
  • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929–1994): The former First Lady, who became a strong advocate for historic preservation, especially in New York City.
  • Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel: An activist and writer who has contributed greatly to preservation efforts.

Theatres and Other Nonprofits

Some non-profit groups, like the company that runs the Landmark Theatre (Syracuse, New York), also help preserve historic buildings. Their mission often includes taking care of the historic theatre building itself.

Historic Homes and Inns

Many old homes, including some that are now bed and breakfast inns, help preserve history. Even when they are updated, they often keep their historic charm and allow visitors to experience a piece of the past. Individual homeowners also play a big role in keeping the historic look and feel of their neighborhoods.

See also

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