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Frequently Asked Questions

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Particular attention to historical significance must be provided when submitting an application for subjects in any of the following areas: buildings, cemeteries, family farms, places of worship and schools. If your application falls into one of these areas, consult the following guidelines:

  • Buildings and Homes – Regardless of the type or age of structure, primary sources must prove the building or home’s historical significance to the larger community or beyond. For example, a building or home might have served an important purpose, was designed by a prominent architect or had a noteworthy resident. If you are commemorating a noteworthy resident, focus the marker inscription on the person, not the structure. You should address how the person’s historical significance had an impact on the larger community (i.e. town, city, county, etc.). Consider mentioning if the person served in local government, prominent civic organizations or was a business leader. Applications regarding buildings and homes that still exist or remain actively used are strongly preferred. If the structure no longer exists, your application will not be successful.
  • Cemeteries – Consider if any noteworthy figures are interred there. That information should be included in the marker inscription and must be proven with primary sources. Applications for markers recognizing unmarked or abandoned cemeteries without signage are welcomed. For those who want to commemorate Revolutionary War soldiers’ and veterans’ burials only, submit your application through our Patriot Burials Historic Marker Program in partnership with the Empire State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
  • Family farms – Demonstrate the farm’s historical significance to the larger community (e.g. its operation did something pioneering; there was a far-reaching impact) or the farm property still retains an important feature unique to the area (e.g. lime kilns).
  • Places of worship – Identify connections to noteworthy events and/or historical figures. As with all inscriptions, the proposed text must include a more historical context than simply listing out key dates.
  • Schools – There must be a historical significance to the larger community that goes beyond serving a specific portion of the school district. Ideally, the marker will commemorate a school building that remains an active educational site. Applications that also prove a noteworthy individual attended are encouraged.

If a significant person, place, thing or event falls outside of these guidelines, you are welcome to submit an LOI. However, the Foundation has the final determination as to whether your application moves forward.

Categories: NYS Marker Criteria