Historic Districts Council

As an advocate for New York City's designated historic districts and structures seeking landmark status, the Historic Districts Council considers neighborhoods, buildings, parks, and public spaces to be valuable city assets and, as such, works to preserve such sites through advisory and educational initiatives.

Classroom materials: The teacher's manual Community as Classroom provides projects and techniques for using architecture and the history of communities as resources in the classroom to enhance the teaching of traditional disciplines. Lesson plans and activities are drawn directly from classrooms of teachers in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. An appendix includes a guide to the vocabulary of architecture and design, a chapter on doing historical research in New York City, an index of historical sites in the five boroughs, and a bibliography of sources for children and adults. (Grades K–12, $)

Additional resources: HDC maintains an electronic resource center on its website for community groups interested in doing historical research on historic neighborhoods as well as gaining zoning and landmark protections. In addition to providing examples of survey forms and research techniques, links to other historic resources are provided.

General information: Address: 232 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10003; Phone: (212) 614-9107; Web: www.hdc.org.

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