Photo: The Queens Forest Park Carousel, one of only two Muller carousels left in working condition today, was designated as a New York City landmark on June 25, 2013. This and other landmarks are being celebrated this month in Queens, and a number of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the NYC Landmarks Law are slated throughout the year. Courtesy of Jim Henderson and queensbp.org.
Borough President Melinda Katz proclaimed April 2015 as Landmarks Month in Queens and announced a series of events, including an upcoming special reception, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the New York City Landmarks Law. Under the Law, the borough of Queens alone boasts 11 historic districts, two interior landmarks, and more than 70 individual landmarks.
The first Queens landmark was the Kingsland Homestead, designated on October 14, 1965, while the most recent is the Ridgewood Central Historic District, designated on December 9, 2014. Signed into law by May Robert F. Wagner this month in 1965, the New York City Landmarks Law serves as a model for similar laws throughout the nation and around the world. The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission was established by the law to safeguard the city’s cultural heritage, increase property values in historic districts, strengthen the city’s economy, and inform New Yorkers about the richness of their historic environment.
“Queens landmarks will together celebrate the golden anniversary of the Landmarks Law with a series of events designed to educate residents and visitors of our neighborhoods’ beautiful and rich histories,” said Katz. “As our communities and families grow, our borough also balances that growth with efforts to preserve the irreplaceable landmark treasures that contextualize our present and shape our future.”
The renowned landmarks of Queens, dubbed “The World’s Borough” as the most diverse location in the country with families that hail from over 120 countries and speak over 135 languages, are a source of great pride for residents and tourism interest for visitors from around the globe. South Queens is home to many of the landmarks, including the TWA Terminal at JFK airport, Public School 66 in Richmond Hill, and the Forest Park Carousel in Woodhaven.
Throughout the year, a number of celebratory events will commemorate the milestone anniversary. Katz will also host a special reception at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on April 21, where attendees will enjoy a first look at the special exhibit “Panorama of Queens, 1965-2015 – Fifty Years of Landmarking.” The reception is free and open to the public, but an RSVP to RSVP@queensbp.org is encouraged. A calendar of all the 50th anniversary events in Queens can be found at queensbp.org/landmarks50. For information on landmarks and events outside the Queens borough, visit nyclandmarks50.org.
By Forum Staff
