Business Details
36 Years
experience
Preserving Adirondack Architectural Heritage Through Education and Advocacy
Founded in 1990, Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) is the nonprofit historic preservation organization dedicated to New York State's Adirondack region. Our mission focuses on promoting public understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the area's unique architectural heritage, which includes iconic Great Camps, rustic buildings, homes, farms, churches, transportation structures, and industrial sites. With over 800 engaged members, we serve year-round and seasonal residents, local governments, and businesses committed to preserving the region's history and quality of life. Headquartered in Keeseville, NY, in a National Register-listed 1849 stone building, we combine historical preservation with community engagement through educational programs, advocacy, and hands-on projects. Our accomplishments include saving the historic Bow Bridge in Hadley, influencing preservation plans for Debar Pond Lodge, and protecting fire towers on Hurricane and St.Regis Mountains. We offer self-guided walking tours, architectural workshops, and preservation awards while managing Camp Santanoni, a National Historic Landmark. Our technical assistance programs support National Register nominations, easements, and tax credit initiatives. We collaborate with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and local communities to ensure historic structures are preserved for future generations. Our educational initiatives include internships at Camp Santanoni, webinars, and hands-on workshops on preservation techniques. Through community fundraising campaigns and partnerships with organizations like the New York State Council on the Arts, we continue to expand opportunities for preserving sacred heritage sites as community pillars.
Services
Historic Preservation
Education Programs
Advocacy Services
Technical Assistance
National Register Nominations
Easement Programs
Tax Credit Assistance
Preservation Awards
Community Fundraising
Architectural Tours
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in Adirondack historic preservation.
- Our active membership includes 800+ households committed to architectural heritage.
- We've successfully advocated for preservation of landmarks like Bow Bridge and Debar Pond Lodge.
- We offer hands-on educational programs at National Historic Landmark Camp Santanoni.
- Our partnerships with state agencies ensure effective preservation outcomes.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) certified
Services
Historic Preservation
We protect and restore Adirondack architectural heritage through advocacy, technical assistance, and hands-on projects. Our work preserves diverse structures from Great Camps to industrial sites, ensuring these landmarks maintain their historical significance while adapting to modern needs. Our expertise combines preservation standards with community engagement.
Education Programs
Our educational initiatives include architectural workshops, internships at Camp Santanoni, and webinars on preservation techniques. These programs teach preservation methods while fostering appreciation for Adirondack architectural history through hands-on experiences and expert-led instruction.
Advocacy Services
We advocate for historic structures through policy influence and community engagement. Our efforts have saved landmarks like Bow Bridge and Debar Pond Lodge by mobilizing public support, securing grants, and collaborating with government agencies to ensure preservation in land management plans.
Technical Assistance
We provide expert guidance on National Register nominations, easement programs, and tax credit applications. Our technical assistance helps property owners navigate preservation requirements while maintaining historical integrity through proven conservation methods.
Preservation Awards
Our annual awards program honors outstanding preservation efforts in the Adirondacks. This initiative celebrates exemplary restoration projects, raises awareness about architectural heritage, and encourages best practices in maintaining historical structures across the region.
Questions
What is AARCH's primary mission?
We promote public understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of Adirondack architectural heritage through education, advocacy, and preservation projects.
What types of structures do you preserve?
We protect diverse structures including Great Camps, rustic buildings, homes, farms, churches, transportation infrastructure, and industrial sites across the Adirondacks.
How can I participate in your programs?
Join our architectural workshops, attend preservation events, or participate in educational programs at Camp Santanoni through our public registration system.
Do you offer preservation grants?
While we don't directly provide grants, we help organizations access historic tax credits and connect with funding sources for preservation projects.
How do you advocate for historic sites?
We influence policy decisions, mobilize community support, and collaborate with government agencies to protect historic structures through preservation-friendly policies.
Can I visit preserved sites?
Yes, we offer public access to Camp Santanoni and organize architectural tours showcasing Adirondack heritage sites throughout the region.
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