How can I Support the Newburgh Preservation Association?
The most effective support you can offer the NPA is through donations and an annual membership.
You can become a member by clicking HERE.
Another way individuals can contribute to the mission of the NPA is by volunteering at events like community clean-ups.
what is historical preservation?
Historical Preservation is the effort to have a conversation with our past about our future. It provides us with opportunities to ask, "What is important in our history?”
This is accomplished through the designation of historic sites and the physical preservation of properties by stabilizing, restoring, reconstructing buildings as well as through documentation in the form of photographs, writing, oral histories, and technical documentation. Preservation is undertaken by a wide array of professionals like archeologists, architects, curators, historians, landscape architects, and other cultural resource professionals.
WHY IS HISTORICAL PRESERVATION IMPORTANT?
Historic preservation is the practice of protecting and preserving sites, structures or districts which reflect elements of local or national cultural, social, economic, political, archaeological or architectural history. Preservation has many diverse purposes and rewards, including the strengthening of local economies, stabilization of property values, the fostering of civic beauty and community pride, and the appreciation of local and national history. Historic preservation as a public purpose that advances the education and welfare of citizens, while providing economic and aesthetic benefits as well.
What are the benefits of Historical Preservation?
The benefits of historic preservation come in many forms. The prime benifit of historical restoration is always education. It also includes both public and private benefits. Historic preservation safeguards a community's heritage, making it available to future generations for civic enjoyment and educational activities. Preservation stabilizes property values and strengthens local economies. In addition, the conservation and maintenance of historic resources and scenic areas fosters civic beauty and bolsters community pride. Finally, historic preservation has been successfully employed to improve business opportunities in many locales.
How do I know if my house is historic?
What makes a historic home significant is often its architecture or its significance to the culture or history of the area. Certain criteria must be met in order for a property to be listed as “Historic'“ by an official office. These criteria often include the age of the house, if the original structure is recognizable/verifiable, and if either a historic event or person of historical significance is associated with the property. Sometimes a property itself is notable for it’s architecture or interior. Historic homes are often eligible for special grant awards for preservation.
Historic homes may still be inhabited, and thus should not be confused with historic house museums.
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