New York State Historic Markers facts for kids
The Mohawk and Hudson Railroad, became the first railroad chartered in New York State this historic marker was donated by New York State Education Department in 1940.
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| Established | 1923 |
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| Location | New York, United States |
| Type | State/Private historic marker |
| Owner | Supported by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation |
New York State Historic Markers are special signs that tell us about important events and places in New York State. These markers help everyone, including tourists, learn about local history.
From 1926 to 1966, the New York State Education Department managed a program to put up these markers. There are about 2,800 of them all over the state. Even though the state no longer funds new markers, people, towns, and history groups still put them up today. One company that makes these signs creates up to 100 new markers each year!
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Discovering New York's Past
The State Historic Marker Program began in 1926. It was created to celebrate 150 years since the American Revolution. During this time, from 1926 to 1939, over 2,800 small blue signs with yellow letters were placed across New York.
Even after state funding stopped, people kept working to find and share local history. This effort is still very important for saving historic places today.
Markers on the Move
In the 1960s, public money was given again for markers. These new signs were placed at rest stops along the state's highways. Cars were much faster then, so it was safer to put larger, detailed signs in rest areas. This way, visitors could learn about New York's culture while traveling on busy roads.
In 1970, a book was released with all the information from these rest area markers. You can still buy these books today! They help you learn about the history of New York and what makes each place special.
How Historic Markers Are Made
In the early days of the program (1926–1939), the State Historian's office handled applications for new markers. Once approved, the state paid for the signs to be made and installed. Records of these markers are kept in the State Archives.
Changes Over Time
From the 1960s to the 1970s, counties and towns were encouraged to put up markers. The state still needed to approve them, but there was no state money available. This meant private groups had to raise funds. All signs had to be made at the Walton East Branch Foundry, which had the special molds. The foundry would only start making a sign after getting approval from the state. This made sure no markers were created without official permission.
In the 1980s, the rules changed again. Today, you need to provide information about new markers so they can be added to a statewide list. Many people are still interested in putting up new markers or replacing old ones. Groups like the William G. Pomeroy Foundation help by providing money for new markers.
The foundry that makes these signs gets 75 to 100 orders every year. If a marker is placed on private land, state permission is no longer needed. Because of this, the current list of markers might not include all the signs put up after the 1970s.
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is a private group that helps protect local history. They believe historic markers are important for towns across New York State. These markers can even help small towns by attracting visitors and boosting their economy. The foundation gives grants to create new markers that highlight historic people, places, and things from 1740 to 1917.
Growing Support for History
The Foundation started its Historic Roadside Marker Program in 2006. At first, it helped place markers only in Onondaga County. By 2010, the program grew to include other counties like Cayuga County, Cortland County, Madison County, and Oswego County.
The next year, it expanded even more to Erie County and Genesee County. In 2012, all towns, cities, and non-profit groups became eligible for grants. As of January 2019, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation had funded over 550 historic markers in 51 New York counties!
Markers Today
New York's historic markers are still very important for teaching people and tourists about the past. The William G. Pomeroy Foundation continues to help fund these projects.
If you want to place a historic marker on private land, you don't need state approval anymore. However, it's a good idea to talk to a local historian first. If you want to put a marker on state property, there is an application process, and the text must be reviewed by the State Education Department.
