The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) announced today that five New York municipalities were awarded $180,000 in total grant funding to support locally driven community historic preservation projects. The grants are supported by the federal Historic Preservation Fund through the Certified Local Government (CLG) program.  

“Historic preservation is about more than protecting buildings and landmarks, it’s about preserving the stories, character, and sense of place that make our communities unique,” said Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser. “The Certified Local Grant program provides local governments the tools and resources to identify and protect the places that matter most to their residents, ensuring that New York’s rich history continues to be celebrated and appreciated for generations to come.” 

Established by an amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act, the national Certified Local Government program directly links a community’s historic preservation goals to state and federal preservation programs. Each State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) administers the CLG program to help communities protect, preserve, and celebrate their unique historic resources.   

The City of Albany was awarded $50,000 to support its Delaware Avenue Intensive-Level Survey and National Register Nomination. The city’s 2019 Historic Preservation Plan introduced a comprehensive survey and listing program to renew efforts dating back to the 1970s and 1980s and build on prior surveys. This proposal supports the city’s efforts to conduct an Intensive Level Survey and to prepare and submit a National Register Nomination. The survey target area is fully eligible for New York State Historic Homeowner and Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credits. 

The Town of Irondequoit was awarded $37,000 to conduct the St. Paul Corridor District - Boundary Justification and Determination(s) of Eligibility project for the potential St. Paul Boulevard Corridor Historic District identified in the CLG-funded 2025 Town-wide Reconnaissance Level Historic Resource Survey. Out of Irondequoit's 21,000 parcels, only 33 are currently listed in the National Register. Completing this project would pave the way for potential listing of more than 4,000 historic properties in the proposed district. The survey target area is fully eligible for New York State Historic Homeowner and Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credits. 

The City of Rochester was awarded a $40,500 grant to host the 2027 New York Statewide Preservation Conference, which will take place from May 12 to 14, 2027. The conference is the premier statewide gathering for professionals, advocates, and community members working in historic preservation and community revitalization and provides training for CLG communities.  

The Town of West Seneca was awarded $26,000 to develop an Intensive-Level Historic Resource Survey of its Lower and Middle Ebenezer areas. The project will build upon the town's prior survey and support documentation, research, evaluation, mapping, and recommendations for approximately 350 properties in these areas to evaluate their eligibility for future historic district designation and associated preservation opportunities. The survey target area is fully eligible for New York State Historic Homeowner and Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credits. 

The Village of Williamsville was awarded $26,500 to develop a self-guided historic walking tour connecting approximately 10 locally designated landmarks and historic sites throughout the village. The project will combine interpretive signage with a mobile-friendly companion website featuring expanded historical content, archival photographs, audio narration, and an interactive map. Designed to be accessible and expandable, the tour will encourage residents and visitors of all ages to explore "Walkable Williamsville," engage with local history, and better understand the value of historic preservation.   

The CLG Grant Program has shown consistent growth in the last few years, with this round being the most competitive in the program’s history. OPRHP received 11 grant applications totaling more than $445,000, exceeding available funding.   

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.