AN

INTRODUCTION TO THE ELMHURST HISTORY AND CEMETERIES PRESERVATION SOCIETY

AN INVITATION TO JOIN US IN THE CELEBRATION OF THE 365TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELMHURST

ABOUT US:
The Elmhurst History and Cemetery Preservation Society is a newly formed, nonprofit organization
created out of community need and concern. A dedicated core group of fellow members and I, from
the local Newtown Civic Association have been advocating for almost three years on various
historical and preservation issues and landmarking of historically worthy sites.


OUR WORK:

We have advocated for the preservation of the
Horsebrook House (Bloom-Brinckerhoff-Suydam House),
educated about this areas great but forgotten history
at meetings and events, started documenting our local
history and much more. The need for a separate group
arose when we were hitting roadblocks and realized
that a group with a dedicated focus on preservation
would be more effective.

A local NYC Park, called Newtown Playground contains

the remains of 86 colonial settlers of Newtown
(Elmhurst). Our efforts to recognize these settlers were
simply being ignored and the plan to disrespect the
Memorial Area with a new renovation is an issue we
have successfully raised awareness of.

We succeeded in getting the Tai Chi area and
community planting area removed, and came to an
agreement with the NYC Parks Dept. and the Queens
Borough President to add historical signage in this park
to recognize the history and memorialize those buried
here.

Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society, Inc.

248-25 Northern Blvd, Suite 1J-300, Little Neck, NY 11362
Phone: (718) 887-8171 Email: elmhursthistoryandcemeteries@gmail.com
 Working with other local groups, we have
successfully petitioned for the Landmarking of Old
St. James Church (282 years), which was long
overdue.

We are trying to reach a beneficial solution for
the community, with regard to the former site of
an African Methodist Church cemetery, which was
re-discovered in 2011 with bodies excavated,
including the Iron Coffin lady. A controversial
residential development was built on site, without
proper access to the old cemetery grounds.

We have recently secured an archeologist to be present at

the renovation of the historical site at the CC Moore
Playground.

A S YOU CAN SEE , THESE PRESERVATION EFFORTS ARE VERY

IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY , AND TO BE CERTAIN THAT OUR
WORK WAS TAKEN SERIOUSLY; WE REALIZED THAT THE NEED FOR A
DEDICATED P RESERVATION S OCIETY WAS IMMINENT .

OUR MISSION:

Our mission and purpose is to promote an understanding and the

importance of the history and character of Elmhurst formerly known as a
part of Newtown, which was officially settled in 1642 as Middleburgh.

The group Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society will be preserving and protecting
the history, architecture and cemeteries of Elmhurst as well as collecting, exhibiting and
interpreting our history through records, photos and artifacts. Our group's existence will educate
the public on the history of the community to better preserve Elmhurst for all age groups, varying
interests, and future generations.

We will work together with the community to ensure and no longer allow the history of Elmhurst to
continue to be forgotten and unrecognized. Through education, attention and hard work it will be
resurrected and known. To let Elmhurst's history and character vanish would be the loss of a great
American story.

Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society, Inc.
248-25 Northern Blvd, Suite 1J-300, Little Neck, NY 11362
Phone: (718) 887-8171 Email: elmhursthistoryandcemeteries@gmail.com
 JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE 365TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELMHURST
WITH A HISTORIC WALKING TOUR!

WE N EED Y OUR S UPPORT!

We are currently putting together the final details for our very first event to celebrate Elmhursts
365th Year Anniversary with a Historical Tour of Elmhurst that will highlight its historic churches.
Many of our historic locations will be viewed while walking but there will be several opportunities to
go inside to see and learn about our these churches. All are welcome to attend!

We will have a knowledgeable tour guide and a descriptive brochure for everyone. Our goal for this
event is to help create awareness for Elmhursts history and bring to light the need to start
preserving what is left and maintaining the important landmarks we have as part of NYC history.

Your support will help with our mission to educate and advocate for the distinctive character and
history of our neighborhood as well as to maintain and preserve our irreplaceable landmarks.

We are currently looking for sponsors to help provide coffee & beverages,
and supply promotional items to highlight local businesses like yours.
Monetary donations are welcomed too so that we can provide a
meaningful and enjoyable learning experience for our community at this
event.

Please let us know if you would like to become involved. All sponsors will be given recognition in our
promotional advertising for the event including flyers and brochures and social media messages.

We are a nonprofit and if needed our tax id# can be provided as well as a receipt. We hope that you
can help us preserve Elmhurst and join us. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you in
advance for your support!

S INCERELY ,

M ARIALENA G IAMPINO
P RESIDENT
E LMHURST H ISTORY AND C EMETERIES P RESERVATION S OCIETY
(718) 887-8171 EMAIL : ELMHURSTHISTORYANDCEMETERIES @ GMAIL . COM

Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society, Inc.

248-25 Northern Blvd, Suite 1J-300, Little Neck, NY 11362
Phone: (718) 887-8171 Email: elmhursthistoryandcemeteries@gmail.com