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 region. AARCH was formed in 1990 in part to save Camp Santanoni, now a publicly-owned National Historic Landmark and one of the earliest examples of an Adirondack Great Camp. Today, we help people preserve historic structures across the region.
Our Vision
We envision an Adirondack Region where the historic places shaped and used by people are an integral part of our working and wild landscape — connecting us to those who came before, strengthening our sense of place, and sparking community renewal.
Our Mission
AARCH supports the appreciation, care, and continued use of historic places — from everyday buildings to industrial and landmark sites — so these places are an active part of Adirondack community life for generations to come.
Our Values
At Adirondack Architectural Heritage, we take a broad and grounded view of what is “historic” and architecturally significant. We value not just iconic buildings, but the full range of structures and places that reflect how people have lived, worked, and shaped the region over time. These places matter because they connect us to the past in ways that remain deeply relevant today. Our values guide how we care for these places and how we engage communities in preserving the stories they hold.
- Collaboration: We embrace collaboration with communities and partners to build meaningful relationships, foster trust, and share stewardship of historic places.
- Community and Stewardship: We believe communities are stronger when people are connected to the places that shaped our past and see preserving structures and stories as essential to a sustainable future.
- Curiosity: Curiosity drives our passion for history, fueling our commitment to fostering deeper connections to our region’s history through sharing more complete stories about who came before, what they built, and why.
- Thoughtfulness: We approach our work with integrity, care, and dedication, honoring the trust placed in us by communities and partners.
Adirondack Architectural Heritage is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization.
Financials & Policies
Accomplishments
Our Office
AARCH is headquartered in historic Keeseville, New York, in the former office building of the Ausable Horse Nail Company. The circa 1849 stone building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of Keeseville’s large historic district. Adjacent to the office building is an 1849 stone mill. This is a rare surviving group of mid-19th century, water-powered, industrial buildings, which were once the heart of Keeseville’s booming horse nail manufacturing industry.
AARCH purchased and rehabilitated the Main Street office building to serve as our organization’s headquarters. We sold the office and stone mill properties in early 2022 but continue to occupy the Main Street building, which houses the AARCH offices and research library, along with second floor offices rented by AdkAction.
Please stop by and visit us if you are in the area. Keeseville is a great community to explore, with its many historic buildings, three historic bridges, and its dynamic location on the Ausable River. You can explore the village with the help of a self-guided walking tour booklet called A Thoroughly Wide Awake Little Village, which is available through AARCH.
In 2025, AARCH completed the Keeseville Waterfront Park along the Ausable River, giving the park to the Town of Ausable for community use.