The Hasbrouck House in Newburgh, New York—George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters—became the first designated historic site in the U.S. in 1850, marking the nation’s earliest documented preservation effort and a lasting symbol of American heritage.
Category Archives: Culture & Heritage
Preservation Month
This May, Heritage Matters celebrates Preservation Month by spotlighting historic sites across the Caribbean and U.S., while exploring the roots and importance of preservation in these regions. Join us all month long and get inspired to discover and protect the places that shape our shared heritage.
Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasidim Synagogue (St. Thomas Synagogue)
Built in 1833, the Beracha Veshalom Vegemiluth Hasadim Synagogue—also known as the St. Thomas Synagogue—is the second oldest in North America and the oldest in continuous use. Constructed by Sephardic Jews seeking refuge from persecution, the synagogue honors centuries of religious freedom, resilience, and tradition in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Mass-Produced Copies and Hyper-Developed Skeletons of Our Once Quaint Towns and Cities
As towns and cities across the U.S. begin to mirror one another in look and feel, we lose the unique character that once defined them. This post explores the impact of globalization, suburban sprawl, and unchecked development on historic identity and community cohesion—urging us to rethink how we preserve not just buildings, but the soul of our towns.
Preservation Evaluation: Gustav Stickley’s Log House
In 2004, the restoration of Gustav Stickley’s Log House, a National Historic Landmark, was completed. Built in 1911, the house is a prime example of the Arts and Crafts movement. The restoration included resistance drilling to assess log deterioration and extensive repairs, including replacing damaged logs and reinforcing the structure with steel.
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