About Us

Since our founding in 1974, the Preservation League has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes to build a better New York, one community at a time.

The Preservation League envisions a New York State where our diverse heritage is valued and protected. We continue to be the statewide leader in establishing historic preservation as a widely accepted tool for economic development, community revitalization, and smart, sustainable growth.

Our strength lies in our relationships with people who wish to protect the architectural and cultural heritage of the Empire State. We welcome all individuals, organizations, and businesses to join us in this mission.

Click here to see a list of honors and awards the League has received over the course of our 40+ year history.

It all started when…

In June, 1973, preservationists from across the state gathered for a weekend in the southern Albany County hamlet of Rensselaerville at the urging of the New York State Council on the Arts. They quickly came to a consensus: New York needed a private organization to provide a clear, unified voice for preservation in New York State, offer technical assistance, and promote preservation ethics and practices.

In March, 1974, the Preservation League of New York State was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its purpose was to communicate preservation ideals and help shape federal, state and local policies to encourage the protection, sensitive use, and creative reuse of historic properties.

Now, the Preservation League is well-positioned to advance the above goals. We are the only statewide preservation organization in New York providing comprehensive and predominantly pro bono services to those who wish to identify, preserve, protect, reuse, and promote historic resources.

The League has four decades of experience in building the capacity of local groups; educating New Yorkers through workshops, presentations, and seminars; promoting creative solutions for endangered properties; advancing public policies on the local, state, and national levels; and offering a statewide voice for preservation in the media.

Historic preservation is more relevant now than ever before. It plays a major role in revitalizing neighborhoods and communities, stimulating economic activity, and capitalizing on new sources of public and private investment. It offers a sustainable alternative to new development, conserves resources, and protects and promotes the qualities that make our communities distinctive places.

Our current programs successfully advance the cause of preservation. As we celebrate more than 40 years of achievements, we will continue, enhance, and supplement these programs to attract new audiences, address new challenges, and take advantage of new technologies.