Civil Rights History and Diversity

Village Preservation has long made a priority of elevating, preserving, and celebrating the histories and contributions of underrepresented groups in our neighborhoods including African Americans, LGBTQ+ people, women, immigrants, the Latinx community, and Asian Americans. We also advocate for policies for our neighborhoods that promote racial and socio-economic diversity.

Explore our map on Hip-Hop’s Second Birthplace

Preserve + Protect Women’s History Landmarks South of Union Square

Recognize and protect more than 20 women’s history sites South of Union Square, and support designation of the area as a historic district.

With Julius’ Bar landmarked, tell the Mayor and LPC to protect other key civil rights sites in our neighborhoods

Commend the Mayor and LPC chair for their support of landmark designation for the Julius’ Bar Building, and urge them to protect the many other sites in our neighborhoods that also played historic roles in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.

Write Mayor Adams to Protect 50 West 13th Street

Help support the landmark designation of 50 West 13th Street, home of African American civil rights leader Jacob Day and the 13th Street Repertory Theatre.

Tell the Mayor and Landmarks Preservation Commissioner to Protect NYC’s Diverse Histories

Village Preservation is fighting to secure landmark protections for an array of sites on and just off 14th Street that represent so much about the diverse histories of New York City. Several are imminently endangered. And all have been proposed for landmark designation by Village Preservation, but the city has so far failed to act.

Recognize and Preserve Black History Landmarks

Key Black history sites in Greenwich Village and the East Village are unprotected and vulnerable to demolition. These sites must no longer be overlooked, ignored, or undervalued.

Urge City Officials to Landmark 285-287 East 3rd Street

Tell Landmarks Preservation to honor the legacy of Steve Cannon with 285-287 East 3rd Street’s designation as a landmark.

Civil Rights and Social Justice

Civil Rights and Social Justice Map

Civil Rights and Social Justice Tour – South of Union Square

Leftist and Labor Tour – South of Union Square

Greenwich Village Historic District: Then & Now Photos and Tours

African American History

In Memoriam: African American Artists of Westbeth

African American Sites in our East Village Building Blocks

African American History Tour – South of Union Square

Children’s Education – African American History, Greenwich Village and Beyond

Greenwich Village Historic District: Then & Now Photos and Tours

LGBTQ History

LGBTQ History Tour – South of Union Square

LGBTQ Sites in our East Village Building Blocks

Civil Rights and Social Justice Map

Greenwich Village Historic District: Then & Now Photos and Tours

Jewish History

Yiddish Rialto Tour in our East Village Building Blocks

Synagogues Tour in our East Village Building Blocks

Jewish History Tour – South of Union Square

Greenwich Village Historic District: Then & Now Photos and Tours

Women's History

Women’s History Tour – South of Union Square

19th Amendment Centennial StoryMap

Greenwich Village Historic District: Then & Now Photos and Tours

Women’s History South of Union Square StoryMap

The 25 Most Impactful Women of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo

Campaign Links

Press

Images & Graphs

Photos and video of plaque unveiling ceremony for Charles Mingus

05/31/2023

Photos and video of plaque unveiling ceremony at 70 Fifth Avenue

05/10/2022

Video from the virtual Jane Jacobs plaque unveiling

10/30/2020

Photos and Video from the Elizabeth Blackwell Plaque unveiling

05/14/2018

Photos and Video from the Alex Haley Plaque unveiling

05/15/2019

Photos and Video from the Lorraine Hansberry cultural medallion unveiling

10/16/2017

Photos and video from the 27 Cooper Square plaque unveiling

06/20/2017

Video and Photos from the Jean-Michel Basquiat plaque unveiling

07/13/2016

Video and Photos from the James Baldwin plaque unveiling

10/07/2015

Video and photos from the Martha Graham plaque unveiling

06/18/2015

Video and photos from the Frank O’Hara plaque unveiling

06/10/2014

PFLAG plaque unveiling

06/23/2013

PFLAG National Memorial For Founder Jeanne Manford

04/03/2013

Protect Our Pride – Julius’

06/16/2015

LPC Stonewall Calendaring Presentation

06/02/2015

Stonewall District National Register of Historic Places Images

Village Preservation Press Conference to Save 186 Spring Street

08/23/2012

Letters & Docs

Letter of Support from Historic Districts Council for Landmarking 50 West 13th Street 12/18/2023

Letter of Support from New York Landmarks Conservancy for Landmarking 50 West 13th Street 12/07/2023

Landmarks Preservation Commission's proposal to calender landmark designation for Julius‘ Bar Building 09/13/2022

Village Preservation letter to Mayor Adams to preserve 50 West 13th Street 01/14/2022

Village Preservation Letter in Support of the Dorrance Brooks Historic District 04/19/2021

CB 3 Manhattan Resolution Calling for the Reconsideration by the LPC of the RFE for 88 East 10th Street 03/24/2021

Manhattan Borough President Brewer Testimony to Landmarks Preservation Commission on 70 Fifth Avenue 03/23/2021

Village Preservation letter to LPC to protect landmarks of women’s history South of Union Square 02/25/2021

Expanding Boundaries, Preserving History, Celebrating All 04/16/2020

Village Preservation’s testimony in support of the designation of the LGBT Community Center 06/04/2019

Village Preservation’s testimony in support of the designation of the Gay Activist Alliance Firehouse 06/04/2019

Village Preservation’s testimony in support of the designation of Caffe Cino 06/04/2019

Support Letters for Julius' Landmarking Proposal 03/14/2016

Request for Designation: Julius' Bar/ 159 West 10th Street 01/14/2016

Stonewall Inn Designation Report 06/23/2015

Press Release: LPC to Consider Stonewall Inn a Landmark 06/02/2015

Follow Up Letter to LPC on Request for Preservation for LGBT Sites 04/22/2015

LGBT Support Letters 02/20/2014

NYS Dept. of Preservation Eligibility for Julius' Bar 12/17/2012

Letter of Request for Eligibility for Julius' Bar 12/05/2012

NYS Dept. of Preservation Eligibility for 186 Spring Street 09/07/2012

Letter to LPC with Additional Information on 186 Spring Street 09/05/2012

Letter to NY State SHPO Requesting Determination of Eligibility for 186 Spring Street 08/31/2012

Stonewall Gains Federal Recognition on its 30th Anniversary 06/21/1999

Reports & Analysis

Designation Report: Julius' Bar 12/06/2022

SoHo/NoHo Upzoning: The Demographic Disguise 08/17/2021

Community Alternative Zoning Plan for SoHo/NoHo 04/26/2021

UPZONING SOHO AND NOHO Report: Why the City’s Rezoning Plan Will Decrease Socio-Economic Diversity and Reduce Net Affordable Housing 03/05/2021

Expanding Boundaries, Preserving History, Celebrating All 04/16/2020

Landmark Proposals

Village Preservation letter for landmark designation of former Colored School No. 4, 128 West 17th Street 11/03/2021

Village Preservation's Request for Evaluation on 285-287 East 3rd Street 04/08/2021

Village Preservation's Letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission with further information regarding unprotected 88 East 10th Street south of Union Square, home of sculptor Selma Hortense Burke 02/17/2021

Village Preservation's Letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission with further information regarding unprotected 50 West 13th Street, home of abolitionist Jacob Day 02/05/2021

Village Preservation's Letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission with further information regarding unprotected landmarks of Women’s History south of Union Square 02/05/2021

Village Preservation's Letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission with further information regarding unprotected 49-59 and 60-80 Fifth Avenue south of Union Square, notable sites in civil-rights history 04/07/2020

Village Preservation's Letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission with further information regarding unprotected 70 and 80 Fifth Avenue south of Union Square, former headquarters of the NAACP and National Gay Task Force 02/12/2020

Village Preservation's Letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission with further information regarding numerous unprotected buildings south of Union Square noteworthy for their history in civil rights 09/24/2019

Proposal for Preservation and Protection for Sites Significant to LGBT History 01/16/2013

Stonewall National Historic Landmark Nomination 02/16/2000

Updates

March 8, 2024

Celebrate Irish History & Heritage Month
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March 1, 2024

Women’s History Month: Celebrate, Explore, Preserve Women’s History
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February 9, 2024

More Resources and Updated Programs for Black History Month
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February 2, 2024

Celebrate Black History Month and Protect the Rich But Endangered History in Our Neighborhoods
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September 20, 2023

Pressure Grows to Landmark Threatened Our Lady of Guadalupe, City’s First Spanish Church, During Hispanic Heritage Month
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September 20, 2023

New Map Shows Role of Greenwich Village, East Village and NoHo in Hip-Hop History
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June 5, 2023

Saving Our Lady of Guadalupe, New York’s First Spanish Church
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June 5, 2023

Jazz Fans and Luminaries Turn Out for Charles Mingus Plaque Unveiling
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June 1, 2023

Explore, Celebrate, and Preserve LGBTQ+ History with Village Preservation This Pride Month
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May 12, 2023

On and Off 14th Street, Fighting to Recognize and Preserve Our City’s Diverse Histories
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May 12, 2023

May is Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month — Explore Both With VP!
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April 19, 2023

Colored School No. 4 at 128 West 17th Street Gets Landmark Hearing Next Tuesday
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March 24, 2023

Women’s History Month Continues with Your Choice for 25 Most Impactful Women, and New Artists Tour
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March 16, 2023

Celebrating Irish History
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March 9, 2023

Women’s History Month — Tell Us Who Means the Most to You!
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March 7, 2023

The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the First Black Eye Doctor in America
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March 1, 2023

Join Us To Explore, Celebrate, and Advocate to Preserve Women’s History
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February 27, 2023

Who Were the Most Impactful Women of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo?
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February 21, 2023

Former Colored School No. 4 at 128 West 17th Street Up for Landmark Consideration
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February 3, 2023

Celebrating Black History — Explore Our Past, Advocate to Honor and Protect It
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December 6, 2022

After 10-Year Campaign, Julius’ Bar Is Landmarked! Fight for More Needed Landmark Designations
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November 30, 2022

Trace the Roots of Gay Marriage and Other Civil Rights Victories in Our Neighborhoods
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November 17, 2022

Unanimous Support for Julius’ Bar Landmarking at Hearing
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November 10, 2022

Julius’ Bar Landmark Hearing Tuesday, Nov. 15 — Support This and Other Needed Landmark Designations
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November 7, 2022

Civil Rights and Social Justice Map Revised and Relaunched
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October 31, 2022

After Nine-Year Campaign, Julius’ Bar Landmarking Proposal to Finally Get Hearing November 15
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September 13, 2022

After Nine-Year Campaign by Village Preservation, Julius’ Bar Building at 159 West 10th Street Under Formal Consideration for Landmark Designation
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August 5, 2022

Village Preservation Op-Ed: Putting the Lie to “Build Baby Build”… Facts Show Unbridled Market-Rate Development Spurs Gentrification
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June 17, 2022

Help Us Save an Abolitionist Landmark, 50 West 13th Street
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June 17, 2022

Mark Juneteenth By Learning More About Abolition History in Our Neighborhoods
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June 5, 2022

Celebrate and Explore LGBTQ+ History with Village Preservation This Pride Month
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May 13, 2022

Plaque Unveiled at 70 Fifth Avenue Honoring Civil Rights History: Video and Photos
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May 6, 2022

Speakers Announced for Tuesday 6 pm Plaque Unveiling at 70 Fifth Avenue Honoring the NAACP and Early 20th Century Social Justice Organizations
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May 6, 2022

May Is Jewish History Month and Asian American/Pacific Islander History Month
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May 2, 2022

Plaque Unveiling Tuesday May 10 at 70 Fifth Avenue, Former NAACP Headquarters and Center for Social Justice Activism
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April 15, 2022

Plaque Unveiling Next Thursday 6 pm Marking Julius’ Bar and 1966 ‘Sip In’ for Gay Rights
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March 16, 2022

Explore the Rich Irish History of Our Neighborhoods
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March 8, 2022

South of Union Square History IS Women’s History
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March 1, 2022

Join Us To Explore, Celebrate, and Advocate to Preserve Women’s History in March
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February 1, 2022

This Black History Month, Village Preservation Invites You to Explore, Celebrate, and Advocate for Preserving Significant but Unprotected Black History Sites in Our Neighborhoods
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January 18, 2022

Highlighting Landmarking Effort for 50 West 13th Street’s African American Voting Rights Crusader on MLK Day
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November 23, 2021

New Oral History: Ayo Harrington and the Struggles for Civil Rights, Urban Homesteading, Community Gardens, and Educational Equality
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September 24, 2021

State Rules South of Union Square Eligible for State and National Registers of Historic Places, while City Allows Demolition of Historic Site to Proceed
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September 24, 2021

Join Us Monday, September 27, at 6 pm for Anaïs Nin Plaque Virtual Unveiling Ceremony
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September 16, 2021

Village Preservation To Unveil Plaque Honoring Anaïs Nin #SouthOfUnionSquare on Sept. 27
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August 19, 2021

Details on SoHo/NoHo Hearings, New Data Shows Falsehoods and Lies Behind Rezoning
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May 19, 2021

Victory! 70 Fifth Avenue Landmarked; Continue the Fight for South of Union Square
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April 16, 2021

Challenging the Landmarks Preservation Commission to Abide By Its ‘Equity Framework’
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March 22, 2021

Landmarks Hearing On 70 Fifth Avenue in Proposed South of Union Square Historic District Tomorrow at 10am
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March 5, 2021

Study: City’s Proposed SoHo/NoHo Upzoning Would Make Neighborhoods Richer, Whiter, and More Expensive
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March 1, 2021

Women’s History Month: Celebrate, Honor, Preserve Women’s History
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February 18, 2021

Black History Month Advocacy: African American Artist and Educator Selma Hortense Burke’s Home at 88 East 10th Street
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February 1, 2021

Celebrate African American History Month and the Elizabeth Blackwell Bicentennial and Join Us in Fighting to Protect This Critical History
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January 26, 2021

New African-American History Curriculum for Children’s Education Program
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January 26, 2021

New South of Union Square History and Podcast
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January 20, 2021

After 2 1/2 Year Campaign, City Agrees to Consider 70 Fifth Avenue, South of Union Square, For Landmark Designation
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January 18, 2021

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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July 2, 2020

Celebrate LGBTQ Pride (Virtually) With Village Preservation
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June 8, 2020

Black Lives, Black Histories
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June 5, 2020

In Memoriam: African American Artists of Westbeth
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February 14, 2020

Honoring and Protecting LGBT history in the Village
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February 12, 2020

Battle for Landmark Protections for South of Union Square Includes Historic NAACP and National Gay Task Force Headquarters
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June 16, 2019

AFTER FIVE YEAR CAMPAIGN BY VILLAGE PRESERVATION, CITY LANDMARKS LGBT HISTORIC SITES Sites are City’s First LGBT Landmarks Since Successful 2015 Campaign to Landmark Stonewall Inn
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June 3, 2019

LGBT Landmarks to be Heard Tomorrow – Send a Letter Today
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May 14, 2019

After Four Year Campaign, City Calendars LGBT Historic Sites in Greenwich Village
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May 13, 2019

After Four Year Campaign by Village Preservation, City Agrees to Landmark LGBT Historic Sites
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May 3, 2019

With #Stonewall50 Underway, Will City Protect LGBT Landmarks?
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April 23, 2019

NOW MORE THAN EVER, CITY MUST RECOGNIZE AND PROTECT LGBT HISTORIC LANDMARKS
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October 17, 2017

Lorraine Hansberry Historic Plaque Unveiled at 112 Waverly Place
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June 22, 2016

RECOGNIZING AND PRESERVING LGBT HISTORY IN THE VILLAGE Urge the City to Landmark Civil Rights Pioneer Julius’ Bar
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May 6, 2016

Hearing On Stonewall National Monument Plan May 9
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April 15, 2016

Julius’ Sip In 50th Anniversary Approaches
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Walking Tour: “The Tredwells’ World”