Peg Breen grew up in a house her great-grandfather built in upstate Glens Falls after the Civil War. She has always loved old buildings and the history and stories they hold. She has a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in American Studies. After working in public television and at City Hall, she joined the Conservancy in 1994. She is constantly energized by the people and issues the Conservancy deals with the ability to help save the buildings and neighborhoods that matter to New York. Her favorite projects include promoting the stabilization of the South Side of Ellis Island; saving the “Survivors Staircase” after 9/11 which is now featured in the 9/11 Museum; helping non-profits recover after Superstorm Sandy; initiating our Sacred Sites Open House Weekend; steadfastly supporting the Moynihan Train Hall, and saving the Picasso Curtain that once hung in the former Four Seasons Restaurant giving it to The New-York Historical Society. The State Department has sent her to Russia, Canada, and the country of Georgia to promote preservation. She also keynoted an international preservation conference in Havana.
Favorite Landmark: New York City Hall. This lovely little 1811 building still holds the core of New York’s massive government and houses an important collection of early American portraits.
Photo by James Salzano