Our Vanishing Legacy: A Screening
Tuesday, October 21, 2014 Doors open at 6:00 p.m. / Screening at 7:00 p.m. / Short program at 7:30 p.m.
You are invited to a rare screening of Our Vanishing Legacy, the first prime-time broadcast advocating preservation efforts in New York City! First aired on WCBS-TV on September 21, 1961, the short film looks at threats to the City’s architectural heritage prior to the passage of the Landmarks Law in 1965, effectively arguing the need to enact legislation to protect significant buildings. The film explores what were then “unofficial” landmarks, including Carnegie Hall, which had been recently saved from demolition, the prospects for the adaptive reuse of the Jefferson Market Courthouse, and commercial threats to the architectural integrity of Grand Central Terminal. From a vandalized Old Merchant’s House downtown to encroaching white brick apartment buildings uptown, this rarely-seen footage is remarkable to behold. Following the screening, Gordon Hyatt, the film’s award-winning writer and producer, will answer questions and share reflections on the making of the film. Join us for an evening celebrating how far preservation has come in the past 50 years!
219 Second Avenue, btw. E. 13th & E. 14th Sts.
New York City
Free, but reservations are required. To register, please call 212-988-8379
or email [email protected].
*Food and drinks will be available for purchase
Co-sponsored by the New York Preservation Archive Project, the Neighborhood Preservation Center, Historic Districts Council, Preservation Alumni, and Pratt Historic Preservation Alumni.
This program is part of NYC Landmarks50 Alliance, the multi-year celebration of the 50th anniversary of New York City’s Landmarks Law.
Image: Screenshot from Our Vanishing Legacy; Courtesy of Gordon Hyatt and WCBS-TV
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