The John Wenrich Memorial Library serves as a historic preservation information center and is the only library dedicated to historic architecture, landscapes, and preservation in the Rochester, NY, region. It contains books, periodicals, photographs, slides and drawings, as well as the Society's archives of local architecture, and information on preservation techniques.
The Library, located in the Landmark Society's headquarters, is open by appointment during business hours, Tuesday through Friday 9 to 4. Our catalog is online at Roaring Cat. When searching limit your search by specific branch to the Landmark Society. Reference questions and inquiries can be sent to or call 546-7029 ext. 13 to schedule an appointment.
The library includes the following resources:
BOOKS (approximately 3,500) - subjects include building types and styles; architectural construction and details; restoration techniques; preservation ordinances; financial, legal and physical aspects of preservation; horticulture and landscaping; local history; and decorative arts. Also, the Friends of Mt. Hope Cemetery collection of books & slides on historic cemeteries.
PERIODICALS & NEWSLETTERS, including "The Old House Journal," "Historic Preservation," "Victorian Homes," "Preservation News," "Old House Interiors," "American Bungalow," "Traditional Building: Historic Products for Residential Architecture," and others.
INFORMATION PAMPHLETS - "How To" and news pamphlets from the Preservation League of N.Y.S., National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Park Service, etc.
CITY & SUBURBAN DIRECTORIES & "BLUE BOOKS" of Rochester & Monroe
County from the mid-1800s to the present.
PLAT MAPS of Rochester & Monroe County from the 1870s to the 1930s.
SANBORN FIRE INSURANCE MAPS of Rochester, 1911-1957.
NEIGHBORHOOD SURVEYS - historical & architectural information (style, year built, history, etc.) and photos of individual buildings in Rochester's historic neighborhoods and Monroe County towns & villages.
ARCHITECTURAL/HISTORICAL FILES - information compiled through the years pertaining to buildings and properties (newspaper clippings, articles, etc.) of Rochester/Monroe County & eight surrounding counties.
PRESERVATION WAYS & MEANS FILES - resources and information on specific preservation & restoration techniques.
PHOTOGRAPHS (approximately 20,000) & SLIDES (approx. 10,000) - historic architecture in Rochester, Monroe County, and western New York state. Includes exterior views, architectural details, gardens, interiors, and stereo views.
THEMATIC SURVEYS - three inventories have been completed on the following topics: cobblestone buildings of NYS, covered bridges of the northeast US, and Erie Canal structures (there are photographic inventories with maps).
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