Of Interest to Homeowners

The Stockade is the first organized Historic District in the State of New York.  Today, Historic Districts are considered  national treasures and are registered in total  with the National Parks Service which oversees each district through the guardianship of the local Historic District Commission. The Stockade Historic District has the highest concentrations of historic homes in America that have not been moved from their original sites with over forty buildings built at least in part before 1800.

Owning a home in an Historic District is to be responsible for a national treasure.  To this end, we have provided a number of links which may be helpful to the home owner to carry out his national historic trust.

The Stockade Association also provides support to owners who are members through our "paint up -- fix up" program.  A percent of the cost can be reimbursed on exterior improvements (usually painting or sidewalk work).  Guidelines for this program change from year to year. Current rules can be explained by any board member.

Organizational Names Decrypted:

The Stockade Historic District:

This is the geo-political area description of the district for inclusion and roughly bounded by the Binnekill on the West, Erie Blvd and the Railroad on the East, the Mohawk on the North and State and Liberty Streets on the South. The Stockade Historic District is the first of some thirty historic districts spread across New York State and is distinguished for it's Dutch Colonial Heritage, it's architecture and the prominent  people who have lived there.

Historic District Commission:

All outside Repairs must be brought before the Historic District Commission.  Applications and further information are available from Christina Slovak or Cari Hourigan in the Department of Development, Room 14 in City Hall (105 Jay St.).  You can call 382-5147 or 382-5054.  Fees are $10 for residential and $20 for commercial applications. and must be returned by the First Monday each month, for hearings and review on the third Monday, 7pm City Hall.  These hearings of the Historic District Commission are open to the public.

The Stockade Association:

The Stockade Association is a neighborhood organization charged with supporting and protecting the historic nature of the Stockade.  This active neighborhood group serves as focal point for the vibrant events conducted during the year in our neighborhood.

The Schenectady Heritage Foundation:

Provides funding for the homeowner. Originally the Stockade Heritage Foundation, was started as an offshoot of the Stockade Association as a funding source for preservation of the homes in the Stockade. Now county wide in scope, information of their activities can be obtained by contacting Gloria Kishton. [More information.]  This is not the same organization as the Schenectady Foundation.

The Schenectady Foundation:

The mission of The Schenectady Foundation is to achieve sustainable improvement in the health and welfare of people, organizations and neighborhoods in Schenectady County through the investment of philanthropic resources.

Schenectady Heritage Areas:

The Schenectady Heritage Areas is a city organization that is charged with promoting the five Historic Districts through out the city.  They conduct guided walking tours in the Stockade Historic District throughout the year.  Call city hall  for  their schedule.  Every Friday in October they conduct Ghost Tours in the Stockade.

Schenectady County Historical Society:

Located at 32 Washington Avenue in the Stockade Historic District, the Society is the Historic Museum in Schenectady.  The Society maintains affiliation with the Grems-Doolittle Genealogy Library, the Efner City historical Archive and the Mabee Farm living Museum in Rotterdam Junction along with an extensive program of lectures, presentations and collections on rotating exhibit.

 

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