New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Launches New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry

 

Registry to Showcase New York Businesses in Operation For At Least 50 Years

 The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced the launch of the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. First proposed by Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell and State Senator Jose M. Serrano, the online registry was established to honor and promote New York businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities’ history. The first round of designations includes 100 businesses across the state.

“Many of our state's homegrown businesses have helped shape the character and identity of the communities that they call home,” OPRHP Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “From small bakeries owned by generations of the same family, and farms dating back to the 1700s, to manufacturers who ship products around the world, these homegrown businesses serve New Yorkers well. With the launch of the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, we are excited to showcase the businesses, large and small, that are the backbone of our state’s economy.” 

 

The honorary program, which provides educational and promotional assistance to help ensure businesses in the state remain viable, will be coordinated through the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). An interactive storyboard map, which provides information about the location and history of each business, can be found on the agency website https://parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry/default.aspx

Nominations to the registry must be sponsored by an elected state official. Each elected official may nominate two businesses for inclusion per term. The program is non-competitive, and as long as the nomination criteria are met, businesses will be added to the registry. Business owners will be presented with certificates by the sponsor of their nomination and given window decals with the program logo. Anyone interested in having a business added to the registry should reach out to their state representative.