American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society

Founded in 1895 by conservationist and New York City civic leader Andrew H. Green (1820-1903), the Society's purpose was to protect scenic and historic sites.

It acted as a custodian for several New York State parks and historic sites, and as an advocate for numerous other sites located largely in New York State, but also included sites throughout the United States and Europe.

The American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society (ASHPS), originally called the Society for the Preservation of Scenic and Historic Places and Objects, was founded in 1895 by Andrew Haswell Green (1820-1903), New York City civic leader and conservationist. Active largely in New York State, with headquarters in New York City, the Society's purpose was to protect scenic and historic sites. Its chief method was to act as custodian for scenic areas and historic sites, acquiring them, maintaining them, and keeping them open to the public free of charge. Such sites included John Boyd Thacher Park, near Albany; Battle Island Park, between Fulton and Oswego; Stony Point Battlefield Reservation, on the Hudson; Fort Brewerton, on the Oswego River; Letchworth Park, on the Genesee River; Watkins Glen, near Seneca Lake; Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers; Hamilton Grange, New York City; and John William Draper Memorial Park, Hastings-on-Hudson. Some of these sites, all of which were located in New York State, were eventually put into the care of the state or federal government.

In addition, the Society worked on behalf of numerous sites not specifically under its care, supporting or opposing legislation; working on behalf of endangered sites; acting as an advisor; working for the improvement of cities through the protection of parks and historica buildings and districts; erecting monuments and plaques; helping to establish parks; and pushing for the creation of the New York State Conservation Department. While most of this concerned sites in New York State, the Society was also active on behalf of sites throughout the United States and in Europe. Some sites that benefitted from these efforts include: Niagara Falls; Palisades Interstate Park; the Octagon House, Washington, D.C.; Storm King Mountain in the Hudson Highlands, where Consolidated Edison planned to build a power plant; Washington Square, Inwood Park, Fort Washington, Fraunces Tavern, and the Morris-Jumel Mansion, all in New York City; reconstruction efforts in France after World War I; cemeteries in France for American soldiers, following World War I; and many others.

Presidents of the Society included Andrew H. Green, Walter S. Logan, George Frederick Kunz, George McAneny, and Maj. Gen. Alexander Hamilton.