The Goffe Street Armory - Putting History in Historic Preservation

Preservation practice has often focused almost exclusively on architecture. As a result, we risk losing important and diverse histories associated with places not deemed architecturally significant. A key reason for the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966 was to save historic places for the public. We need to include robust historical context when documenting historic places, valuing historical significance as much as we have valued architectural significance in what and why we save. The Goffe Street Armory provides a fine example of why we must preserve history along with architecture.
The presentation is given by Leah S. Glaser, Professor of American History and the American West at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, where she serves as Coordinator of the Public History Program. In addition to working as a historic preservation consultant, she has public history experience that includes work with the New Haven Preservation Trust, Virginia Center for Digital History, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service. She serves on the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Council. Glaser is an active member of the National Council on Public History.
Originally presented at a New Haven Preservation Trust online event on February 21, 2021.