Our Collections
The Oral History Collection documents the experiences and perspectives of New York City preservationists.
By collecting eyewitness accounts and personal impressions of moments in preservation history, the Archive Project aims to create a verifiable record of the movement and ensure that the work of preservationists is not forgotten. These oral histories document those who were directly involved in much of the groundbreaking legislation and grassroots activism of the 20th and 21st centuries. Whenever possible, transcripts, audio recordings, video recordings, photographs, and other supporting documentation of the resulting interviews are made available on this website. If not uploaded on the website, these materials may be available upon request.
If you are interested in becoming involved with our oral history program by sharing your own preservation experiences, acting as an interviewer, or suggesting a potential figure to interview, please contact us.
The views expressed by contributors to this oral history collection do not necessarily reflect the views of the New York Preservation Archive Project.
Use of Materials: All oral histories made available in this online collection are licensed under Creative Commons, Attribution-NonCommercial-
This oral history project centers preservation stories previously underrepresented in New York City. Participants are leading members of historic preservation campaigns to save sites significant to minority populations, including sites outside of Manhattan.
In 1965, the New York City Landmarks Law was enacted to protect historic sites. Over fifty years later, many challenges to the law have been overcome thanks, in part, to the lawyers interviewed in this project.
These oral histories with past Chairs of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission paint a nuanced portrait of the field. Their unique perspectives offer an inside look on the first 50 years of the City's Landmarks Law.
Preservationists in this oral history collection led the charge to recognize and preserve sites significant to LGBTQ history.
This oral history project, Inspired by Grassroots Stories: Community Architectural Advocacy, led by Kelly Carroll, a preservation consultant and historic preservation instructor at NYU, focuses on those behind community preservation efforts. Discussions focus on victories, losses, and how they rallied their communities.
The Peggy N and Roger G Gerry Charitable Trust Oral History Intensive project is the culmination of work since 2020 to shed light on the preservation process and the unique perspectives of those who work to preserve a range of settings including Black heritage sites, locations associated with 9/11, historic vessels, and waterfront locations through the city.
The Oral History Collection
Michael Henry Adams
Harlem-based preservationist and writer speaks about the challenges in saving and preserving sites important to African American history and culture.
June 29, 2017
Oliver Allen
Retired writer Oliver Allen shares his considerable knowledge about Tribeca’s history and his role in helping to landmark it in the 1980s and '90s.
March 30, 2010
Eric Allison
Discussing Eric Allison’s career in advocacy and preservation and how landmark designation can lead to revitalized cities.
2011
Elizabeth Ashby
A tireless advocate for preserving the Upper East Side, Elizabeth Ashby has worked to expand the Upper East Side historic districts and is the co-founder of Defenders of the Historic Upper East Side.
March 29, 2012
Kent Barwick
Former Chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Commission speaks about landmark and preservation politics during the Koch administration.
2011
Laurie Beckelman
Former Chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, Laurie Beckelman, shares her insight into building community relations, raising public awareness of preservation, and several important cases that arose during her tenure.
2011
John Belle & John Beyer
John Belle and John Beyer speak to their experience restoring and renovating historic buildings and districts.
2014
Thom Bess
Bronx native reflects on how education and community involvement aided preservation efforts in the Bronx.
October 28, 2008
Bronson Binger
Preservation, for architect and former New York City Parks Commissioner Bronson Binger, is about saving significant buildings. He was involved with the campaigns to designate Carnegie Hill and the fight to save the "Old" Metropolitan Opera House.
October 17, 2008
Seymour Boyers
Seymour Boyers describes his time spent on the New York City Council and his role in passing the New York City Landmarks Law.
October 17, 2006