SUPPORT LANDMARK’S LATEST PRESERVATION PROJECT

NATIONAL REGISTER SURVEY UPDATE
 
First, thank you again to the many TI Park residents and visitors who contributed funds to make this project a reality. Landmark is also contributing funds and would like to thank the Foundations that have supported us: the Thousand Island Park Foundation, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, the Preservation League of New York State and the Northern New York Community Foundation.  In addition, we very much appreciate donations from the following local businesses:
Steve Taylor Builder, Wellesley Island Building Supply, Watertown Savings Bank and Cerow Insurance Agency.

For those of you who are new to this: Thousand Island Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.  A lot has happened in TIP since then and an update of our information on the National Register is overdue.  In addition, all information will be organized into an electronic database.  We are also applying for additional historic certification for four of our major buildings: the Tabernacle, The Main Dock Pavilion, the Library and the Chapel. When completed in September 2020, the project will significantly expand access to our important architectural history. 
 
Your contributions support all aspects of the project, most important, the work of the Historic Preservationist we were able to hire. Katie Eggers Comeau is on staff at Bero Architecture in Rochester NY and will guide us for the next two years.
 
Over the last six months, we have made great progress with program start-up. For example, Katie continues to do historical background research on TIP. She created a survey form that will allow volunteers to easily describe and photograph buildings and submit the results electronically on a mobile device.  No more trying to balance paper, pens, clipboards and cameras. A method for identifying and cataloguing the boathouses is well underway. Volunteers are critical for success. By April 15, you will be able to sign up on the Landmark website and our first volunteer training will take place on June 26 at the Main Dock Pavilion.

As we continue to plan the full project roll-out, there are a number of dates to note in your calendar:
  • April 15: online volunteer sign-up starts
  • June 26: first volunteer training session; others to be scheduled as needed
  • June 27: donor recognition event
  • July 18: Cottage and Garden Tour. Special survey session with Preservationist
  • August 15: Chautauqua of the North Talk and Walk.  Topic: National Register and TIP Survey 
 
We’ll continue to update you on our progress. Be sure to check News and Views, Landmark’s annual newsletter, which we send to all members in April and post on our website: thousandislandparklandmarksociety.org

What Can you do to help?

Volunteer to work with us on the survey. Learn more about historic preservation through the training that will prepare volunteers to do the survey. Get to know our community better as you survey our wonderful buildings. By April 15th, you’ll be able to sign up online. When the Park is open for the season, you can sign up at the Landmark building.