When we first started honoring “Living Landmarks,” colleagues in other cities looked into doing something similar. We’ve always had multiple honorees. Chicago-based Landmarks Illinois followed with “Legendary Landmarks.” But others felt they wouldn’t have enough candidates to sustain the format.
Our 27th “Living Landmarks” was on Oct. 29th, 2020. We’ve never run out of exceptional New Yorkers. We had another incredible roster. It’s extraordinary how so many people devote themselves to the various cultural, educational, and medical institutions that serve our City.
COVID introduced us to a whole other range of exceptional New Yorkers. I remember when I thought grocery shopping was an act of bravery. Imagine driving a subway, treating COVID patients, handing out masks to the public, or delivering food to homebound seniors, throughout the worst days.
So we also honored “Landmark Heroes” — people whose dedication and courage kept them on the frontlines during these difficult months.
Our galas have always been a salute to the City. The spirit and camaraderie in the Plaza Ballroom each year always made the evening special. We’ve worked hard to capture that spirit in this virtual gala. I bet it will be hard to resist the enthusiastic musical finale. All this in half an hour from the comfort of your home.
Our honorees renewed my belief that the City will recover thanks to the everyday efforts of its citizens. New Yorkers are an inspiring lot.
A friend who once lived here wrote me saying: “You live in what I consider one of the sacred canyons of the East, a place that has had its share of everything life can throw at it. And it keeps on raising its head and staring straight out at the horizon.”
Watch our video honoring these Landmark Heroes.
You can also watch the entire gala video here.
With best wishes from all of us for your health and safety,
Peg Breen, President
The New York Landmarks Conservancy