Do you know of an organization, group, or individual who has done excellent historic preservation work? Each year, we honor small businesses, homeowners, nonprofit organizations, developers, architects, engineers, tradespeople, advocates, and more at our Preservation Awards. Nominations may be submitted on behalf of someone, or we highly encourage self-nomination! We love to see the preservation work taking place across our service region. Learn more and submit nominations at www.landmarksociety.org/awards.

Deadline: Friday, April 17th, 2026

Thinking about a career in traditional trades and historic preservation? We are now accepting applications for our 2026 Windows Workforce Training Program! This training provides intensive, hands-on instruction in historic wood window repair and restoration and is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the traditional trades or in expanding their existing trades skills. Visit www.landmarksociety.org/windowsworkforce to learn more and apply!

With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to tune up your historic windows! Join Steve Jordan—who has been glazing windows for more than 50 years—for a hands-on workshop focused on the essential skills of traditional sash glazing. Participants will learn how to remove old putty, replace broken glass, cut glass, prep and paint sashes, and select the best materials for long-lasting results. This is an interactive workshop with guided instruction, but attendees are also welcome to observe and learn without participating hands-on. Space is limited to 15 participants and workshops fill quickly—register early to reserve your spot! Visit www.landmarksociety.org/event/spring-window-glazing-workshop/ to register today!

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 per person

It may still be chilly, but spring will be here before we know it! Make sure you are ready to take on your old house projects with guidance and tips found in Steve Jordan’s The Historic House Handbook: A Sensitive Guide for Old House Living. Find this book, and others, at www.landmarksociety.org/shop.

 

Looking for contractors experienced with historic homes and materials? Submit a request for referrals through our Contractor Request Form at: www.landmarksociety.org/contractors.

As of January 1, 2025, the homeowner portion of the NYS Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program stepped down significantly in value from a maximum of $50,000 per project to $25,000. Additionally, the rebate provision of the credit, which has been so helpful to those homeowners without the state tax liability to accept the full value of the credit and instead receive it as a rebate, has been allowed to expire.

In response, there has been introduced in the NYS Legislature a bill that would restore the Homeowner Credit to its pre-January 1, 2025, value. In the Senate it is bill S4057A sponsored by Senator Patricia Fahy and in the Assembly it is A5453 sponsored by Assemblymember Carrie Woerner (click the links to read the full legislation and see the current list of co-sponsors).

Because tax credits have a fiscal impact on New York State, it is likely that any fix to the tax credit program will have to be a part of the FY27 Budget now being negotiated in Albany. For it to be included, legislators will need to sign on as co-sponsors of the legislation and request that leadership include the bill’s language in the final FY27 Budget.

How can you help? Reach out to you NYS Senator and NYS Assemblymember and ask them to support this bill! You can find more information through or colleagues at the Preservation League of New York State.

On Thursday, February 26, we were thrilled to unveil our 2026 Five to Revive at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s West Herr Auditorium Theatre—itself a 2014 Five to Revive listing and a wonderful example of preservation success.

This year’s sites include:

• Peirson Cobblestone House, Village of Newark, Wayne County
• Seneca Falls Machine Company Plant, Village of Seneca Falls, Seneca County
• Morgan-Manning House Museum, Village of Brockport, Monroe County
• Cutler Mail Chute Company Building, City of Rochester, Monroe County
• Historic LGBTQ+ Community Sites (Thematic Listing)

Each represents an opportunity for catalytic investment and community revitalization across Western New York.

Learn more here!