Earlier this fall, members of the League’s leadership giving group, the Excelsior Society, enjoyed a weekend full of behind-the-scenes tours on Long Island’s East End. And while our Excelsior Society members were treated to several exclusive tours and talks not typically available to the general public (a benefit of membership!), we thought we would share an abbreviated version of our trip itinerary for anyone who wanted to plan their own East End adventure. And if you are thinking you’d like to join us for an exclusive tour to explore another corner of NYS, you are in luck. The Excelsior Society is busy planning a weekend in Buffalo for 2025 — stay tuned for details.

The Preservation League of NYS will welcome five authors as part of our ongoing Preservation Book Club program in early 2025. These virtual author talks will take place via Zoom and are free and open to the public.

By our count, almost 20 neighborhoods have been included as Seven to Saves over the years – not counting Main Streets! Two threats tend to loom largest over Seven to Save communities: development pressure and deterioration. Gentrification, rising housing costs, and overdevelopment can push longtime residents out of their homes. Systemic disinvestment and lack of resources can make it difficult for residents to take care of their historic homes. Tools like historic district designation, Homeowner historic tax credits, and a push for affordable housing in historic neighborhoods helps to build sustainable communities. Neighborhood groups, local preservation and community-based organizations, and neighborhood residents (whether they be homeowners or renters) are the driving forces in preserving these kinds of sustainable communities.