Since 2012, Village Preservation has placed nearly 30 historic plaques in our neighborhood honoring historic figures, locations, and events. They are a great way to bring to life the incredibly rich history of Greenwich Village, the East, Village, and Noho, with an emphasis on artists and creators, civil rights and social change champions, and other innovators.

Unfortunately, in just the last year or two there has been a scourge of thefts of these plaques, seemingly motivated by selling the bronze markers for scrap — most recently of the Jean-Michel Basquiat plaque at 57 Great Jones Street. It’s sad that anyone would seek to diminish the good these plaques provide in educating the public about these amazing accomplishments which took place on our streets, likely all for a fraction of the price paid to fabricate and install them. We have worked meticulously with owners to replace those that have been taken.

Our new plaques are made of terra cotta, which look as beautiful as, if not more so than, the bronze ones, but have absolutely no resale value. But they are not cheap to manufacture or install, and the process requires a considerable amount of work. We are doing everything we can to ensure that the scourge of the thefts is ended.

We urge you to explore these wonderful plaques — virtually or in person — we’ve installed throughout our neighborhoods. And please consider making a donation to Village Preservation to ensure we can continue with this wonderful program which highlights the bounty of history found in our neighborhoods.