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ABOUT

Our mission is to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable, and sustainable communities.

Who we are

The Landmark Society of Western New York, Inc., is one of the nation’s oldest and most active historic preservation organizations. It is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to helping our region’s communities preserve and capitalize on their rich architectural, historical, and cultural heritage. The Landmark Society’s service area covers nine counties in western New York centered on the City of Rochester.

Our history

The Landmark Society was organized in 1937, preceding by ten years the founding of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, of which it is a charter member. Helen Ellwanger led a group of volunteers in founding an organization to protect and preserve the Campbell-Whittlesey mansion in the historic Corn Hill neighborhood of Rochester, NY. Built on this modest foundation, The Landmark Society has grown into a preservation organization with a state and national reputation.

How we function

The Landmark Society is governed by a Board of Trustees elected for three-year terms by the general membership at the Annual Meeting in November. The board then elects officers. It has been the custom for officers to serve a minimum of two years, although they are elected annually.

Where We’re Located

Our work takes us all over Western New York, but our main offices are located in one of Rochester’s most distinctive buildings, Warner Castle in Highland Park. The Landmark Society moved into the Castle, which is owned by Monroe County, in 2019, and are grateful for the opportunity to work in this beautiful building. Warner Castle is currently closed to the public, but we hope to offer tours in the near future.  In the meantime, please check out the Virtual Housewarming Tour to see inside!

Contact information:

5 Castle Park
Rochester, NY 14620
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
PHONE: (585) 546-7029
FAX: (585) 546-4788

Visit our Contact page to send us a message.
Visit our Staff page to see a complete staff directory.