The Society was formed in January of 1989 with these goals:
1-Creation of New York City Landmark Districts
The Society has obtained Landmark District status, from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission,
for the Douglaston Historic District (1997) and also the Douglaston Hill Historic District (2004). Douglaston Hill was also named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000
2-A P
ermanent Historic Collection
The Society is accumulating a collection of historic photos, maps, blueprints, drawings and artifacts. A permanent place to house the collection and to display the exhibition is being sought.
3-Education
The Society seeks to increase public awareness of the importance of Douglaston's architecture, planning and social history, through public forums, exhibitions and published material. The exhibition, "The Environment of the American Dream - The Garden Suburb at Douglaston," was co-sponsored by the Municipal Art Society, and shown at the Urban Center in 1991.
4-Research
In 1991, the Society hired a team of historians to document and research the development and social history of the adjacent Douglas Manor and Douglaston Hill districts. This research, along with historic and contemporary photos and maps will be used to make a book on Douglaston.
5-Renovations, Additions and New Construction in the Proposed District
In promoting the preservation of Douglaston's historic neighborhoods, the Architecture Committee of the Society provides residents with information on preserving, restoring and sensitivly rehabilitating their homes. A team of architects will counsel residents on design solutions for planned renovations, additions, or new construction, free of charge.
