[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 71 (Monday, May 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE NEW HAVEN PRESERVATION TRUST AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2011

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to congratulate the New Haven Preservation Trust on their 50th 
anniversary--a remarkable milestone for this outstanding organization. 
Charged to honor and preserve New Haven's architectural heritage--
historic buildings and neighborhoods--through advocacy, education, and 
collaboration, the New Haven Preservation Trust played an integral role 
in the preservation and restoration of the unique character of the New 
Haven community.
  The New Haven Preservation Trust was founded in an effort to save the 
James Dwight Dana House, a historic 19th century Italianate house 
designed by New Haven architect Henry Austin for one of the century's 
leading geologists, from demolition. At the time Yale University 
planned to tear down the home to make way for a new mathematics 
building. A small group of concerned citizens quickly incorporated the 
Trust and planned to bid on the house. In the end, the Trust came to an 
agreement with the University to preserve the Dana House and, through 
the efforts of the Trust, in 1962, it was designated a National 
Historic Landmark. Since that time the Trust has been involved with 
countless efforts to save historic buildings throughout the city 
including the New Haven Free Public Library, the New Haven Post Office 
and Federal Building, New Haven City Hall, the John Davies Mansion, and 
Union Station.
  In addition to their efforts to preserve and restore New Haven's 
historic buildings, the Trust has worked to collaborate with the city 
government and other organizations to strike a balance between 
protecting the city's history and allowing for its modernization. In 
its earliest years, the Trust worked with the city of New Haven on the 
Wooster Square Project--an effort to restore this architectural and 
historical treasure. Though the Trust's efforts, the entire 
neighborhood was designated a historic district and the New Haven 
Historic District Commission, a permanent city authority responsible 
for reviewing exterior architectural changes in all local historic 
districts, was established. In New Haven's downtown district known as 
the Ninth Square, the Trust worked with local property owners to plan 
its preservation. The Trust published guidelines and contributed 
architectural drawings to help owners rehabilitate their facades. Most 
recently the Trust was brought into discussions regarding the School 
Construction Program, where it prepared recommendations for moving some 
buildings threatened by the project to empty lots in the neighborhood. 
That partnership continued until the Program's work was completed last 
year.
  The New Haven Public Trust has also developed educational programs 
designed to teach the New Haven public about the community and its 
history. Plaques have been awarded to numerous buildings which are 
designed to draw the public's attention to their historical 
significance and to ensure that future generations know of their value. 
The Trust also sponsors New Haven Heritage Workshops which teach 
residents about the architectural styles and histories of the city's 
neighborhood. Recognizing that one of the best ways to learn about 
historic architecture is to visit the buildings and neighborhoods, the 
Trust has designed both walking tours led by local historians as well 
as pamphlets for self-guided tours.
  Through advocacy, distribution of information, historic research, 
tours, and private consultations, the Trust continues to be New Haven's 
advocate for the centuries-old architectural heritage. I am proud to 
join the New Haven community in thanking the Board of Directors, staff, 
and volunteers who work so hard to ensure that our city's rich history 
is not only preserved but celebrated and appreciated by new 
generations. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary and best wishes 
for many more years of success.

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