We also blog. If you haven't already done so, check out Confessions of a Preservationist for informative, fun and exciting posts on the latest and greatest preservation news and happenings around The Landmark Society and the rest of the world. If you're one of those tech-savvy people, here's a nifty link to subscribe to our RSS feed and never miss a post:

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NEW! Job opening at The Landmark Society

The Landmark Society is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of Development. For more information, please click here.

The rich, vibrant history of Philadelphia ... the quirky collections of Americana and historical items at the Henry Ford Museum (John Lennon's Rolls Royce is pictured to the left) ... the gorgeous gaslamps of Wellsboro ... the Erie Canal legacy of Lockport....Our tours are full of history, architecture, education and plenty of fun, and led by some of the warmest and friendliest staff around.

We have many outstanding adventures planned for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010. Space is still available on our day tours to Lockport, NY, and Wellsboro, PA and our extended motor coach journey to explore Philadelphia, PA. Coming in 2010 are trips to explore the history of Henry Ford's Detroit and an excursion to the Hudson River Valley.

Click here to learn more, or call Cheryl at (585) 546-7029 x23 for more information.

photo of Rolls Royce by Flickr user Dave Hogg, used with permission under Creative Commons license.

NEW!

Grab your flashlight and head over to the Stone-Tolan House Museum at 2370 East Avenue, for a special summertime treat!

On July 14 and August 18, the full moon will help illuminate the oldest house in Monroe County for special flashlight tours of the former tavern and home built in 1792. Munch on campfire-popped popcorn, splurge on a "S’more Kit" and share stories by the light of the moon and campfire.

The evenings will begin at 7:00. No reservations required and the entry fee for a flashlight tour of the house museum, popcorn and story sharing is $12.00 per family, $5.00 for individuals attending solo or with a buddy. "S’more Kit" can be purchased at the door as well as beverages.

NEW! Take a stroll through Rochester's oldest residential neighborhood

Most folks in Rochester and surrounding areas make it a point to attend the popular Corn Hill Arts Festival every July. We all love that weekend when the neighbors roll out the welcome mat for hundreds of talented artists and thousands of festival attendees. This year, plan on making a return visit a few weeks later, and discover the private side of this charming neighborhood!

On Sunday, July 26, our friendly and dedicated volunteer tour leaders look forward to sharing Rochester’s oldest, most walk-able neighborhood with you. You’ll discover who lived here, how the area got its start, and how to recognize “clues” to the architectural styles found in this charming area. (read more here)

Corn Hill Strolls will be offered on Sunday, July 26 only. No reservation needed – just meet at The Landmark Society, 133 South Fitzhugh Street for a 1 p.m. departure. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger.

Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU!

The East Avenue Preservation District proved a popular House and Garden Tour destination as a whopping more than 3,000 tour goers came out this past weekend. WOW!

So many people to thank: all the homeowners and business people who so generously opened their doors this weekend, our tireless corps of volunteers, The Landmark Society's tour committee for their diligent work, and even the weather folks who promised gorgeous weather...and delivered!

Of course, we couldn't have done it without the generous assistance of this year's tour sponsors: Hugh Hamlin, UBS Financial Services, Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, Highland Hospital, Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, Valley Manor and Zaretsky and Associates, Inc.

Special thanks to Architectural Historian Jean France for her always-wonderful lecture on Thursday, June 4, and Pomodoro's Restaurant for hosting the tour lunch event. Also thanks to the George Eastman House for serving as Tour Headquarters this year (and host for Friday's Libations and Landmarks event!) and to Parkleigh and Arena's for selling tickets.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! (and we'll see you at the Inside Downtown Tour, September 25 and 26.)

Thank you for helping us fulfill our mission

Thanks to the generosity of loyal members and supporters like you, The Landmark Society continues to promote healthy, sustainable and livable cities, towns and villages in our region by advocating for the protection of historic buildings, landscapes, and communities, and by educating adults and children about our past.

With a target population of nearly 1.2 million residents and community leaders in 194 cities, towns and villages that comprise Rochester and the surrounding nine county areas we serve, you might think our staff of 17 would not have a chance of making an impact. But, The Landmark Society's outreach efforts are going on all year long! Click here to see how we have recently reached thousands of people.

Did you know that many of our public service outreach efforts are presented without fees? We remain committed to maintaining this level of service, but need your support to sustain our work. That is why we are asking for your help.

Please support The Landmark Society’s 2009 Spring Appeal by clicking here to donate, or call (585) 546-7029 x10.

Pioneer Days Camp Registration Open

From Fiber to Fabric, A Cornucopia of Crafts and Be The People are among the excited themes this year. Find out more by clicking here, and register early - you don't want to miss out on the fun! Registration is available online or by calling (585) 546-7029 x10.

Action needed re: Recent Past Architecture Survey

The American Institute of Architects and The Landmark Society needs your immediate input for the ongoing Recent Past Architecture survey. The survey, once completed, will serve as the basis of proactive preservation work for more modern buildings to be protected. If you have a favorite mid-century building in the area or know of a landmark in your neighborhood that was built between 1930 and 1970, please speak up!

In order for this preservation work to happen, we need you to log into www.aiaroch.org/archipedia/ and participate. In addition to serving as the basis for future preservation work, the survey results will allow the AIA to create a searchable database for those doing research on Rochester architecture or planning as well as serve as a platform for possible nominations to the National, State and/or Local historic registers.

So, if you find yourself getting excited by that retro-ranch on your street or you have a “thing” for the funky old gas station or drive-through on your commute, you’re exactly the kind of person we need to get involved.

Read more about The Landmark Society's work on recent past architecture here.

Make a significant impact on the future development of our cities, neighborhoods and rural areas.

Your commitment. Your dedication. Your faithful support. These are the foundation of all we do. The attributes you bring to The Landmark Society are the backbone of our focus on the future of the organization, as well as for the future of our historic resources -- especially in the context of planning for new development. For this reason, the trustees of The Landmark Society of Western New York cordially invite you to join a very special group of preservation champions – The Landmark Society Director’s Circle.

Director’s Circle members will play a crucial role in achieving our mission. With your leading support, we will face the pending challenges of redefining our cities, neighborhoods and rural areas.

Please join The Landmark Society Director’s Circle, enjoy the special privileges offered to this exclusive group of benefactors, and, most importantly, make a positive impact on the future of our communities.

For more information on the unique benefits designed exclusively for Director's Circle members, please visit our enrollment site or call 585-546-7029 x10.

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