PRESS RELEASE Yorktown Historical Society P. O. Box 355 Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Preserve the Past - Enlighten the Future www.yorktownhistory.org For Immediate Release Contact: Ralph Rogers (917) 940-7312 or RogersGen@aol.com "PRESERVATION BEGINS AT HOME" DURING PRESERVATION WEEK 1999 May 4, 1999

Yorktown Heights, NY: Citizens in the Town of Yorktown will join thousands of individuals around the country as part of a nationwide celebration of the 28th annual National Historic Preservation Week, May 9 - 15, 1999.

"Protecting the Irreplaceable" is the theme of the week-long celebration co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Yorktown Historical Society "This year's Preservation Week theme, 'Protecting the Irreplaceable,' highlights the unique role that historic places play in defining us as a nation," says Trust President Richard Moe. "Because they remind us of where we came from and help us understand and appreciate the richness of our shared heritage, historic places are essential."

As part of this week-long celebration, citizens nationwide will be highlighting how historic preservation has made their communities a better place to live and work. Yorktown Supervisor Linda Cooper noted, "The Railroad Station changed the entire landscape of Yorktown; it became a magnet for commerce in developing Yorktown Heights when it was built in 1905 and will continue to be in its current use as a park. The Railroad Station is the only Yorktown landmark to have local, state, and national designation." Society president Monica Doherty added, "Yorktown is one of many towns within Westchester that has a rich and diverse history. The use, conservation and protection of our historic and cultural treasures should instill a sense of community pride."

Here in Yorktown, Preservation Week 1999 will be observed by these activities:

• May 10 - Press Conference and Proclamation by Supervisor Linda Cooper at the historic Railroad Station at Yorktown Heights, 11:30 a.m.
• May 10 - Comments by Yorktown Historical Society President, Monica Doherty, at the placement of the first Historic Marker at Railroad Station
• May 10 - Guest speaker Darlene McCloud, President of the Preservation League of New York State, on Historic Preservation
• May 10 - Presentation of Historic Preservation curriculum to Crompond Elementary School students and 4th grade teacher Anna Fazio
• May 10 - "Best Dam Race" announcement in support of the Historic Preservation Fund by the Yorktown Historical Society
• May 12 - Antique Appraisal held at the Yorktown Community & Cultural Center, 1974 Commerce Street, 7:30-10 p.m.
• May 15 - Visit the Yorktown Historical Society booth during Community Day event held at Downing Park, 12-5 p.m.

The Yorktown Historical Society is an incorporated educational organization, which was established to bring together those people interested in the history of the Yorktown area. Residents of Yorktown reorganized the Yorktown Historical Society in 1976, and received its charter in 1980. The Society is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization whose mission is to foster public awareness and pride in preserving Yorktown's historical, agricultural, and cultural heritage. Visit the Yorktown Historical Society's web site at www.yorktownhistory.org to obtain more information on the 12 historic landmarks within the Town of Yorktown.

The Society will follow-up the week's activities on May 19 with a program entitled, "Yorktown At War, 1775-1783," by local author John Martino for its annual meeting which will be held in the Yorktown Community & Cultural Center at 8 p.m.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, chartered by Congress in 1949, is a non-profit organization with more than 270,000 members. As the leader of the preservation movement, it provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities. It has six regional offices, owns 19 historic sites and works with thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the National Trust's web site at www.nationaltrust.org.