# New York State Historic Markers

The New York State Historic Marker program was an initiative to place historical markers around the New York State to commemorate sites of historical significance. The program was managed by the NYS Education Department from 1926 to 1966.
First created to commemorate the American Revolution, the markers were deemed a success. Although no longer funded by the state, markers are still being installed throughout New York State today by individuals, town and county governments, and historical organizations.

## History

The State Historic Marker Program was started in 1926 by the New York State Education Department to acknowledge the Sesquicentennial (150 years) of the American Revolution. During the time of the program (1926–1939), over 2,800 small blue cast-iron site markers with yellow lettering were placed all over the state of New York. In 1939, funding for the program ceased.
During the 1960s, public funding was briefly granted again for larger, more detailed signs in places such as rest areas along the state's interstate highways and thruway. These large-format "Historic Area Markers" provided visitors with cultural information in a setting along routes with heavy traffic.
The larger markers provide overviews of the history of New York, pointing out local significance that makes that particular place unique and interesting. In 1970, a booklet was released containing all the text of the rest area markers.
Unlike many other states, New York State does not currently manage a historical marker program. Instead, local authorities are responsible for the approval, installation, and maintenance of historical markers. Anyone interested in placing or repairing a marker should thus check with appropriate county, city, town, or village historians or officials.

## History of operations

During the early period of the historic markers (1926–1939), the State Historian [SED] dispersed applications throughout the state to be reviewed and approved. The State then paid for the casting of the markers and planned their installation. Records of these markers were kept, and are available from the State Archives.
During the 1960s–1970s, installation of historic markers was encouraged at county and town level, SED approval was necessary. While during this time no state funding was available, private funds were forced to be raised. Signs were required to be cast at the Walton East Branch Foundry; this was the only place that had the molds for the markers already cast. The foundry required a letter from the state notifying them of the approval before production of the sign would begin. This insured no markers would be created without the States approval.
Throughout the 1980s, restrictions of the SED mandate cause the process to be revised. Today you must supply fact sheets to the field so that it may be entered into the data base of county listings of existing markers. Still today there is much interest in erecting new markers and replacing old ones. Grants such as those given out by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation provide funding for new markers.
The foundry supplies as many as 75–100 orders a year. Unless erected on state land permission to erect a marker is no longer required. Thus the current data base lacks some markers erected after the 1970s.

## William G. Pomeroy Foundation

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is private foundation that promotes the importance of local historic preservation and the roles markers play in all towns across the state of New York. These markers can provide much-needed economic assistance to small towns and villages where the markers are erected. As of 2024. the program recognizes historic people, places and things from 1683 to 1925 by providing grants to build new historic markers.
The Foundation unveiled its Historic Roadside Marker Program in 2006 to place markers in towns and villages within Onondaga County. In 2010, the program grew to other New York counties, including Cayuga County, Cortland County, Madison County, and Oswego County, as possible grant recipients. The next year the program expanded to include Erie County and Genesee County. In April 2012 the program began including all municipalities and not-for-profit organizations as eligible grant recipients. As of November 2024, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation reported funding over 1,100 historic markers all 62 New York counties.

## Today

New York Historic markers play a large role in educating the public as well as tourists of historic events. The William G. Pomeroy Foundation helps fund projects to continue to erect such markers. Currently there is no red tape or approval process for historic markers if placed on private land; although it is advised contacting a local historian before erecting such marker. When placing on state property there is an application process and you must have the text reviewed by the SED.