5 Organizations Preserving History in New York
From the Revolutionary War to the Hudson River School, a lot of historical moments and movements have taken place in New York. These past events have shaped the present in a number of ways and contain many fascinating stories that are worth sharing. The five organizations listed here work to preserve and showcase the Empire State's history. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
NY Historical Organizations
| Organization | Headquarters Location | Mission |
|---|---|---|
| Coney Island History Project | Brooklyn, NY | Record, archive, and share oral history interviews; provide access to historical artifacts and documentary material; and honor community leaders and amusement pioneers |
| Suffolk County Historical Society | Riverhead, NY | Collect, preserve, and interpret the ongoing history of Suffolk County and its people |
| Boscobel House and Gardens | Garrison, NY | Engage diverse audiences in the Hudson Valley's ongoing, dynamic exchange between design, history, and nature |
| Albany Institute of History & Art | Albany, NY | Connect diverse audiences to the art, history, and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley through collections, exhibitions, and programs |
| Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts | New York, NY | Preserve the architectural legacy, livability, and sense of place of the Upper East Side |
Timeline Of Early New York History
| 1524 | Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano becomes the first European to arrive in New York |
| 1614 | Dutch colonists settle on Manhattan Island |
| 1625 | The Dutch West India Company officially founds New Amsterdam |
| 1626 | Manhattan Island is purchased from the Lenape tribe |
| 1664 | The colony is ceded to England and renamed New York |
| 1703 | NYC's first city hall is built |
| 1777 | The American revolutionaries win an important victory at the Battle of Saratoga |
The Importance Of Historic Preservation
Ways To Engage In Lifelong Learning
- Visit a museum or historic site
- Read both fiction and non-fiction as often as you can
- Teach others what you know
- Explore new places
- Start a creative project, like a vlog or podcast
- Get a good desk for your home
- Join a study group
- Take a hike through nature
- Listen to different types of music
- Look up words you don't know in the dictionary
The Value Of The Arts In New York's Economy
According to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Endowment for the Arts, arts and cultural productions accounted for 7.8% of the total gross state product in New York in 2016. The table below compares the value added to the economy by arts to the value added by other sectors.
| Sector | Value Added |
|---|---|
| Arts & Cultural Production | $119,856,783,000 |
| Retail | $69,957,400,000 |
| Construction | $46,845,800,000 |
| Education Services | $33,821,600,000 |
| Transportation | $30,966,900,000 |
| Utilities | $21,117,900,000 |
| Agriculture & Forestry | $2,394,000,000 |
| Mining | $828,100,000 |
The History of New York
In Depth
As one of the oldest states in the US, New York has a rich and inspiring past, having played an important role in numerous noteworthy events and historic periods. With no shortage of modern-day attractions, the Empire State still manages to honor both its legacy and its earlier residents in a variety of ways. If you want to learn more about some of the groups working to preserve the area's history, then here are, in no particular order, five organizations that commemorate New York's past.
Coming in at #1 is the Coney Island History Project. Founded in 2004, this not-for-profit organization seeks to celebrate the area's vibrant past and strengthen appreciation for the neighborhood today. With a focus on community involvement, C.I.H.P. educates the youth and works with schools, museums, and other groups to create engaging programs. Furthermore, it gathers and disseminates oral history interviews, displays artifacts and documentary materials online and through exhibits, and honors leaders and pioneers in its Hall of Fame.
In 2005, this organization launched its Oral History Project, which encourages people to share their memories of Coney Island and Southern Brooklyn in order to preserve human experience. C.I.H.P. welcomes visitors to its Exhibition Center and offers year-round walking tours. If you are interested in getting involved with the Coney Island History Project, you can sign up to become a member or check out its blog.
In 2005, this organization launched its Oral History Project, which encourages people to share their memories of Coney Island and Southern Brooklyn in order to preserve human experience.
In the #2 spot is the Suffolk County Historical Society, located in Riverhead. Founded in 1886, this organization works to gather, preserve, and make sense of the ongoing history of the area and its residents. In 1994, its building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and it houses more than 20,000 historical artifacts in its museum, in areas ranging from decorative arts to costumes and textiles.
Researchers and other curious individuals can access its library and archives, which contain more than 20,000 volumes and items like genealogies, diaries, and scrapbooks. The SCHS also puts on temporary and permanent exhibits for visitors, covering topics such as the role of whaling in fashion and Long Island's involvement in armed conflicts. It also publishes its own journal, which accepts submissions on subjects related to its holdings. Those who wish to show their support for the Suffolk County Historical Society can purchase items from the Weathervane Gallery & Book Shop or make a charitable donation.
At #3 is Boscobel House and Gardens, located in Garrison, New York. Constructed in the early 19th century, Boscobel served as a residence for affluent Loyalists. Afterward, it fell into a state of disrepair and was later rehabilitated. Today, it attracts visitors from all over with its mission to share the Hudson Valley's unique blend of design, history, and nature. The restored Neoclassical mansion houses an impressive collection of furniture and decorative arts from the Federal period.
Constructed in the early 19th century, Boscobel served as a residence for affluent Loyalists.
In addition to the Historic House Museum, Boscobel boasts sixty-eight acres of grounds, complete with beautiful gardens and a woodland trail. It has sweeping views of the Hudson River and overlooks Constitutional Marsh. Visitors can tour the site during the year and attend special programs and events. It also runs programs for school-aged students. If you are interested in supporting this organization, consider signing up to volunteer or even looking into renting the space for a private event.
Coming in at #4 is the Albany Institute of History & Art. Established in 1791, A.I.H.A. brings together people from a variety of backgrounds to appreciate the art, history, and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley. Through a combination of collections, events, and programs, this organization showcases works of cultural importance and educates the public. It is particularly well known for its significant collection of Hudson River School paintings, but it also contains items such as manuscripts, personal papers, and photographs from a wide range of people.
A.I.H.A.'s Education Department provides learning opportunities for people of all different ages. It offers lessons and hands-on activities for students in schools, and it runs enriching family programs and gallery talks open to the public as well. Those who are interested in getting involved with the Albany Institute of History & Art can visit the site, make purchases from the Museum Shop, or attend a fundraising event or gala.
Those who are interested in getting involved with the Albany Institute of History & Art can visit the site, make purchases from the Museum Shop, or attend a fundraising event or gala.
Last but not least, at #5 is Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts. Founded in 1982, this not-for-profit organization is committed to the protection of architectural legacy, functionality, and culture of neighborhoods on the Upper East Side. In support of its mission, this group engages in advocacy, puts on events, and conducts educational programs.
In terms of advocacy, Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts has a number of specific initiatives that it supports in, for example, the areas of planning and zoning and landmarks preservation. Its educational programs provide numerous opportunities for young people to learn about topics like Yorkville Immigration and architecture and New York history. Furthermore, it publicizes events like book talks throughout the year. If you are interested in showing your support for this organization, you can connect with its social media profiles or check out the news section of its website.
