The Governor’s budget cuts to the Office of Parks would mean the closing of up to 25 historic sites across the state.  Many of them are important to our national history as well as to New York’s rich cultural heritage.  Once closed, this connection to our past could be gone forever.

“New York is really the birthplace of America. We’ve never promoted New York history as we should and we certainly must not close the sites that tell this important story,” said noted Columbia University historian, Kenneth T. Jackson.

The sites include Washington’s Headquarters at Newburgh, the Walt Whitman House on Long Island, the John Jay Heritage Center in Westchester, and Ganondagan, a major 17th-century Seneca town.  From Revolutionary War sites to historic 19th-century mansions, these buildings are part of the foundation of New York’s history and the nation’s heritage.  They should not be lost.

For a list of all the historic sites that will be lost, click here.

Tell them: We urge you to find a way to keep New York’s historic sites open.  Many are associated with our Founding Fathers.  They all promote tourism, and a sense of our shared history.  We can’t deprive current and future residents of their legacy. 

 Click here to e-mail Governor Paterson:

http://www.ny.gov/governor/contact/GovernorContactForm.php

 State Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson

http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/john-l-sampson/contact

State Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos

http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/dean-g-skelos/contact

or find your Senator here:

http://www.nysenate.gov/senators

State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=64&sh=contact

State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=129&sh=contact

or find your Assembly Member here:

http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?sh=email