Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR WAYNE AT THE OPENING OF US EMBASSY-SPONSORED PHOTO EXHIBIT LANDMARKS OF NEW YORK
February 4, 2008
Good Evening everyone.
It is a great pleasure to be here this evening in this beautiful space with all of you to open this wonderful exhibition of photographs of historically significant buildings in New York City. The exhibit reflects our belief in the importance of history and tradition for contemporary society, as well as our commitment to supporting cultural preservation.
Among U.S. cities, New York is a leader in the preservation of its landmarks. This exhibition was commissioned in 2005 to mark the 40th anniversary of the passage of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Law. This law became the model for many others interested in landmark preservation. Its goal is to preserve buildings, properties and objects that have a unique character or special historic or aesthetic value for future generations. Preservation of these treasures is part of the development of the cultural fabric of a city, state or nation. The protection of theses resources is essential to safeguarding New York’s historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage and provides positive economic impact, enhancing many attractions that benefit business and industry.
This exhibition was mounted for the first time on April 13, 2005, at the Municipal Art Society of New York City, and has toured 40 countries in the world. The Curator of this exhibit, Mrs. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel was the longest serving Commissioner on the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The exhibit is based on her history and guide book The Landmarks of New York: An Illustrated Record of the City’s Historic Buildings.
But without committed partners, we would not be able to preserve our history or to offer you this opportunity to celebrate it in photographs. I want to thank Mr. Alan Faena as well as his staff for their outstanding work on this exhibit. And what better place to host it than this building, a 1902 restored silo that recreates Buenos Aires belle époque.
Thank you all again for joining us tonight and I hope you’ll find the exhibit interesting and enjoyable.
Thank you.
