Landmarks Preservation Commission Kicks Off Celebration of 60th Anniversary
It was on April 19, 1965 that Mayor Robert Wagner signed the landmarks law into reality, allowing for the protection of the New York City’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The Brooklyn Heights Historic District was the first district designated after the passage of the landmarks law in 1965. Photo by Susan De Vries
A year of celebration has begun to mark the 60th anniversary of the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission, and inaugural events include an online forum and the launch of a new story map.
It was on April 19, 1965 that Mayor Robert Wagner signed the New York City landmarks law into reality, allowing for the protection of the New York City’s architectural and cultural heritage. The first designations by the new commission that year were both in Brooklyn. The Wyckoff House was the first individual landmark and Brooklyn Heights the first historic district designated.
For those unfamiliar with the history of the landmarks law in New York City, the new online story map created by LPC summarizes six decades of history. There are some statistics, including the total number of buildings and sites designated before 2000, quotes from former chairs of the commission, and slideshows for each decade.
The first event of the year is the virtual forum “Making History: The Landmarks Preservation Commission at 60” on Thursday, April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The program will include opening remarks by Sarah Carroll, chair of the Landmarks Commission, and two panel discussions on housing and new architecture in New York City. While free, the Zoom program does require registration.
In addition to the LPC events, organizations across the city are planning their own commemorative programs in celebration of the anniversary. Events throughout the year will be viewable on the online calendar hosted by the NYC Landmarks60 Alliance.
For a look back at the 40th anniversary of the landmarks law, check out this 2005 Brownstoner column by the late historian and author Charles Lockwood.
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