State Parks launches Historic Business Preservation Registry

Registry to showcase New York businesses in operation for at least 50 years

Earlier this week, 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 Sen. 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,” State Parks 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 State Parks. 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.

Serrano said, “Congratulations to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on the commencement of the State Historic Business Registry. This program acknowledges and celebrates the cultural contributions that longstanding businesses provide to their communities, and showcases the local products that have been enjoyed for generations.”

O’Donnell said, “Historic businesses are more than just businesses, they are vital institutions that have shaped and celebrated the history, identity and culture of the diverse communities they serve. From the delicatessens that have fed immigrant communities for over a hundred years, to the bars that provided safe havens for LGBTQ New Yorkers, to the timeless Hudson Valley inns that were visited by some of our country’s founders, New York state has many businesses that serve as invaluable symbols of our pride and heritage. As many businesses face unprecedented challenges that threaten their ability to survive and serve their communities, this registry is an exciting opportunity to recognize, support and promote the contributions of historic businesses to our state.” 

Nominations to the registry must be sponsored by an elected state official, who may nominate two businesses for inclusion per term. The program is noncompetitive, 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 can reach out to their state representative.