Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Spotlight on Landmarks at the Brooklyn Historical Society

Landmark West! would like to extend to its supporters an invitation on behalf of the Brooklyn Historical Society to the opening night reception for the exhibit LANDMARK AND LEGACY: BROOKLYN HEIGHTS AND THE PRESERVATION MOVEMENT IN AMERICA, this Wednesday, March 28, 5:30-7:30pm.

This exhibit traces the process by which Brooklyn Heights became the first designated historic district in New York City. The designation came in late 1965, but the battle for designation began in earnest in 1958. Inspired by preservation successes in other cities, particularly by the example of Beacon Hill in Boston, and equipped with the "Bard Law" passed by New York State in 1956, Heights activists built an overpowering case for the significance of the Heights, and for the urgency of the need to protect it as one landmark after another disappeared. Never-before-exhibited and seldom-exhibited objects, pictures, and documents related to Brooklyn Heights architecture and the preservation battle should make this exhibit of interest to all who participate in the preservation battles of today.

LANDMARK AND LEGACY also highlights the role played by architectural historian Clay Lancaster, whose writings, lectures, and walking tours were crucial to the effort.

The exhibit was co-curated by Francis Morrone and Kate Fermoile, and was made possible with the generous help of American Express, the Gerry Charitable Trust, and Arnold and Sharon Reichman in memory of Sarah Shore.

The Brooklyn Historical Society is located at the corner of Pierrepont and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights. It is easily reachable by the R to Court Street, the 2, 3, and 4 to Borough Hall, and the A, C, and F to Jay Street/Borough Hall.

We hope to see you there!

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