3 Characteristics of Historic Landmark Building Interiors |
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The destruction of Pennsylvania Station and New York City’s famous 1965 Landmark Preservation Law tend to bookmark the commencement of America’s Historic Building/Monument Preservation Movement. However, the allocation of services dedicated to the preservation of historic construction officially dates back to the Historic Sites Act of 1935. Even prior to 1935, there were attempts on behalf of the federal government to institute preservation programs. However, as it is often the case, the reaction to demolition and scarcity are more effective forces in the promotion and education of such matters. Therefore, resources and interest in the preservation of historic sites did not reach the awareness of the general public until the latter half of the twentieth century.
As the American preservation movement gained momentum and barriers to construction became evident, creative solutions such as facadism came into popular use in order to preserve the exterior of the building, therefore not disrupting the landmark status, but then designing a new building within the old frame. Although an old and useful method, the danger of facadism risks the loss of historic interiors. Even New York City’s Landmark Law did not originally include historic interiors and was amended in 1973. This amendment to the law was a reaction to the ongoing Grand Central Terminal demolition controversy as well as the destruction of the old Metropolitan Opera House in 1967.
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Determining the landmark status of interior rooms, therefore, preserving the decoration, artwork and sometimes even furniture within typically require certain criteria. Characteristics typical of landmark interiors are generally (1) accessibility to the public, (2) of a certain age, usually more than 30 years old, and (3) possess a unique character or historical value to the city, state, or nation. From state to state and city to city, the landmark guidelines for buildings, monuments, interiors, landscapes, and districts may vary slightly. However most all metropolises as well as many small cities and towns now have legislation to protect significant construction from modification and destruction.
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Overtime interiors may be modified to suit different purposes and needs. As a result, the decoration and design may have been altered, covered, or removed. To restore a historic landmark interior, the decoration and artwork may be simply repaired and cleaned if in existence or recreated based on historic photographs and onsite research. Adaptive reuse is an inevitable necessity in construction and oftentimes historic interiors once intended for a bank or airport may become a restaurant or hotel. In making the adaptation for new use, the historic fabric and decoration is retained. Generally, the historic atmosphere contributes positively to the ambience of the repurposed interior.
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There is an important lesson to be learned from the history of Historic Landmarks in America. Regardless of the governing powers' attempts to promote or secure certain ideas, it is the local people who must defend and care for their surroundings. Historic buildings are touted to represent the historic fabric and local culture, and though this is true, the ultimate preservation of these ideals comes directly from those local people and their ability to respect their past and traditions. Otherwise, these buildings and monuments are akin to stoney graves taking up space in the land of the living.
In a word, preservation requires prudence. Change and adaptations are inevitable in every age, the idea is not to freeze these buildings and interiors in time but rather to enjoy them in the present and care for them for the future. Their beauty should make us proud of who we are and where we come from, subsequently inspiring stewardship. Though these buildings were designed, built, and paid for by our ancestors they are our heritage and provide a place for us in the world, literally and figuratively. These constructions are as much ours as our ancestors, not just special because they are old, but rather because they are deeply connected to our identity as Americans, from small towns to big cities.
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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| Cultivating Reverence: The Role of Fine Arts and Decoration in Places of Worship |
There is a reason some of the world’s most famous landmarks and skylines include places of worship, and there is a reason these places draw thousands, if not millions, of visitors every year. Viewers marvel at the craftsmanship and sheer force of will necessary to create pieces that uplift the soul and stand the test of time. The singular element they all have in common other than their fame is their undeniable beauty and central roles in their respective faiths. Here we take a look at the role of decoration in sacred places.
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How To Keep Art Safe: 7 Steps |
Whether ensuring the protection of fine art murals in a public space or a private home, keeping artwork in a secure and stable environment will mitigate potential damage. Caring for fine art is a great responsibility that can feel overwhelming at times. However there are certain precautions owners may take to ensure their artwork remains in stable condition. First and foremost, an understanding of the proper environmental conditions appropriate to long term storage or exposition of fine art will play a significant role in the stability of the artwork. As owners become more informed on the protection of the fine art in their care, the more confident they will be to promptly address damage or concerns. This blog discusses seven steps that can be taken to ensure murals and fine art paintings are properly cared for.
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DC Preservation League's District of Columbia Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation will be held January 28th from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm at the DAR Constitution Hall. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Design and Construction; Volunteerism; Lifetime Achievement; the State Historic Preservation Officer’s Award; and the Historic Preservation Review Board Chair’s Award. This program is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there. Please register online to participate.
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Congratulations to Preservation Connecticut who is celebrating 50 years of stewardship. Preservation Connecticut is a nonprofit organization, originally named Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, established by special acts of the State Legislature in 1975 and 1985 to preserve, protect, and promote the buildings, sites, and landscapes that contribute to the heritage and vitality of Connecticut communities. Since then, the organization has become a successful champion of remarkable community assets across the state for decades. John Canning & Co. has been the proud recipient of 10 preservation awards from this organization over the years. The company received the Preservation Connecticut Janet Jainschigg Award for Preservation Professionals as well as project awards for our preservation work, some of which include the Mark Twain House and Museum, Connecticut State Capitol, Cathedral of St. Patrick's, New London City Hall, and Lockwood Mathews Mansion. 50 years is a significant milestone worth celebrating, John Canning & Co. is a year behind approaching that mark and we are looking forward to doing some celebrating for it.
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The National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO) 2025 National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week is right around the corner. The event is happening March 3rd to 6th in Washington, DC. The week consists of congressional hill visits, networking receptions, tours and preservation advocacy sessions. Check here for more information or to register. NCSHPO is a nonprofit organization whose members are the State government officials (State Historic Preservation Officers) and their staff who carry out the national historic preservation program as delegates of the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA).
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The Association of Preservation Technology Northeast Chapter (APTNE)
2025 APTNE Annual Meeting & Symposium, will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Saratoga Springs, NY, with an in-person event, as well as a virtual program. The overarching theme of the 2025 APTNE Annual Meeting & Symposium is Evolution of Place Identity and will feature presentations from professionals, emerging professionals, and local students. We are a proud sponsor of APTNE and are looking forward to the upcoming annual meeting in February. We hope to see you there.
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Here is a glimpse of restoring a liturgical statue in the studio. From worn finishes to radiant gilding, witness the breathtaking transformation unfold. |
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We understand the importance in sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field. Besides the monthly newsletter and blogs we post, we also develop and share downloadable resources to help guide you in your conservation, preservation and restoration projects. Check out the Resources page and see if any of the resources can help answer some of your questions and provide a better understanding of some of the intricacies in the preservation field.
Check out our Featured Downloadable Resource below. |
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When you have an upcoming exterior gilding project, it is imperative to know what to expect from the process. This Art of Exterior Gilding & Domes Guide will provide an understanding of the process, materials and expertise needed. |
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The Association for Preservation Technology (APT) is the premier cross-disciplinary organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structure and their settings.
November 11-15, 2025 Providence, RI |
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As a national nonprofit preservation organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more or get involved. |
| | The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission. |
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