Preserving the architecture and communities of the Adirondacks
through education, action, and advocacy

Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) is the nonprofit historic preservation organization for New York State's Adirondack Park. AARCH was formed in 1990 with a mission to promote better public understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the Adirondacks unique and diverse architectural heritage.

This legacy includes not only the nationally recognized "Great Camps" and other rustic buildings but also the many other structures that embody the whole range of human experience in the region. These other structures include: a wide variety of homes and farmsteads; the churches, commercial buildings, town halls and libraries that make up most Adirondack settlements; bridges, railroad buildings, lighthouses and other transportation related structures; and industrial sites related to the region's important iron, wood, quarrying and tanning industries.

AARCH's regular activities include:

• Sponsoring a series of tours to historic places throughout the Park
• Holding workshops
• Conferences
• Giving educational slide presentations
• Publishing a biannual Newsletter
• Offering "architecture-in-education" programs in the region's public schools
• Providing technical assistance to homeowners, municipalities, businesses and other organizations
• Helping to manage and interpret Camp Santanoni
• Promoting the preservation of Adirondack fire towers by sponsoring three fire tower restoration projects
• Giving out annual awards
• Keeping track of and advocate for Endangered Properties
• Holding preservation easements

AARCH has an active and engaged membership of nearly 1000. AARCH membership is made up of people who care about the region's architecture, communities, history, and quality of life. Our members are year-round and seasonal residents, organizations, local governments, businesses, and others who love the Adirondack Park. Members receive discounts on events and publications, get advance notice of events, are able to take part in interesting and rewarding volunteer projects, and receive our biannual Newsletter.

For all of its good, hard work AARCH has been recognized for its outstanding preservation work throughout the Park, and has received the following awards:

2011 - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Earth Day Volunteer Partnership Recognition Award for our collaborative work with the NYSDEC and Town of Newcomb to restore, interpret, and manage Camp Santanoni.

2007 - New York State Historic Preservation Award for outstanding commitment to recognizing and preserving the Adirondack region's history and culture.

2006 - The Garden Club of America Zone III Historic Preservation Certificate of Acknowledgement

2002 - Preservation League of New York State for sustained achievement in preservation.

1999 - Adirondack Council Park Heritage Award

To learn more about AARCH's activities and accomplishments visit our Archives page.
To learn more about becoming an AARCH member visit our Join/Support pages or contact us:

e-mail: bonnie@aarch.org
phone: 518-834-9328
fax: 518-834-9225

Adirondack Architectural Heritage is a 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization.

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