Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier
Executive Director's Year End Report

Dear Friends of the Landmark Society,
           
At our 2007 Annual Awards Luncheon we spoke of the "One Team, One Goal" concept that Larry Quinn of the Buffalo Sabres allowed The Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier to build upon. The Landmark Society defined the "One Team" as Buffalo and the Niagara region, and we further defined the "One Goal" as becoming an international destination for art, architecture, history and nature and therefore a great place to live.  

How can the Landmark Society accomplish our "One Team, One Goal" campaign?

First, by capitalizing on our community's successful bid to host the National Trust for Historic Preservation annual meeting in 2011. The next three plus years provides the opportunity for a coordinated team effort, like the bid required, between the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors in the city and region. 

Second, helping the city and region see itself as an international destination filled with a premiere collection of built and natural, cultural and heritage landmark treasures.

Third, by coordinating and providing life long learning experiences using various techniques such as awards, community outreach, lectures, preservation projects, publishing, signage, tours, and our web-site.  

The Landmark Society's Eight Community Services and Activities in 2008 include:

Leading the community through communication and unique collaborations with other not-for-profits and foundations, the private sector and government entities. Hopefully in 2008 by encouraging good design at the beginning of each development project, we can help all developers seek the Landmark Society "Seal of Approval for Good Design" and avoid the costly controversies we have been plagued with in the past. We must foster a culture of collaboration for Team Buffalo to meet its Goal.

Awarding best examples in design, development and education that enhance.appreciation of neighborhood landmarks. We hope to expand recognition for best practices in preservation at our Annual Luncheon scheduled for May 20, 2008 at the newly renovated Statler Ballroom where Carol Ash, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, will be our keynote speaker.

Nurturing the Buffalo architecture story. After celebrating Buffalo's 175 Anniversary in 2007, our Tuesday lecture series will now focus on "Imagining Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier in the Twenty-First Century" for 2008.  

Demanding and supporting history-driven design, development, preservation and.heritage projects.

Making land marking signs regionally abundant and consistent, building upon our successful 2007 Downtown Buffalo Signage Project.

Administering quality and meaningful tours. Landmark tours will feature Downtown Buffalo Tours and Neighborhood Buffalo Tours, along with Landmark Niagara Tours as well as a second season of Landmark Cruises on the Miss Buffalo II every Wednesday afternoon in July and August. 

Revealing the region through publications. Our 2008 Landmarker Calendar "Signs of Buffalops Glory" will help promote the Landmark Society's mission, goals and vision as well as the 2007 Downtown Buffalo Signage Project. Also we anticipate publishing a book about the War of 1812 as we prepare to celebrate its Bicentennial.

Keeping a comprehensive landmark website. Exciting new features will be added to our web-site including video presentations of all our Tuesday lectures and changes to our weekly e-lert.

"One Team, One Goal" now means Team Buffalo and the Niagara Region share the Goal of becoming a world-class destination and place to live by 2011. The Landmark Society is One Organization that can help make it happen. 
Best holiday wishes to all our Landmark Friends, 
Dennis Galucki
Executive Director