Happy Holidays From Historic Albany Foundation

We wish you all a very Happy Holidays, however you celebrate!

Give the Gift of Preservation! 

Need to get a last-minute gift?  

Can't think of a gift for your history/Albany/preservation-minded loved one? Buy an online gift below!
- HAF Calenders (featuring Albany architecture created by local artist - one for $20, two for $35. If you buy online we will mail to the recipient)
- An Annual Membership to our organization (includes 20% discount to our Warehouse plus other great benefits)
- A donation in their name (please provide address of recipient)  
- A Gift Voucher for our Architectural Parts Warehouse 

Have you Donated to our  Annual Appeal?

A Letter from Tony Opalka, Volunteer tour guide  

"Over the years, I have appreciated the variety of HAF’s programming, always having something for everyone, whether you are interested in ornate 19th-century architectural styles, the clean lines of the mid-century modern, or the comfortable design of vernacular bungalows. It’s a bit like having 600 or more like-minded friends who are all passionate about the same things you are, and you all get together to chat and feed your passion.

Read more & Give here

What's New in the Warehouse?

In this, the darkest time of the year, how lovely would it be to brighten your home with one of these glorious mirrors? After all, that was part of their original purpose….

Intended not only to reflect the people and scenery of the room but also the light as well, these were called “pier mirrors” because they were located on the wall or “pier” between two windows. 

Incidentally, it’s called a “pier” just like the support for a bridge because walls, we may sometimes forget, don’t just protect us from the elements but support a building’s roof.

The first of the pier mirrors here is a circa 1860s gilt Rococo example, with irises, roses, and foliate S-curve scrolls making it as resplendent as a summer garden. 

Yet, at just 54” tall and 28 ½” wide and with restrained decoration and long, smooth fluted lines, this mirror doesn’t feel domineering or gaudy. Verging on Art Nouveau, it could sing the chorus in a Victorian parlor or steal the show in a modern space.

Somewhat the opposite is this 8-foot-tall, circa 1875 Eastlake pier mirror with marble shelf. 

It has real gravitas. While still subdued compared to the baroque maximalist designs that came before, the work inspired by British architect Charles Eastlake’s ideas is handsome.

Our example here features the hallmark simplicity of the style, the overall rectilinearity, incised geometrical and natural motifs (some of which were hand-executed in this case), quarter-disk and finial decorations, and ebonized wood. 

Here, that black wood has a counterpoint in the striped gold coved reveal around the mirror that a fanciful person might take as Egyptianesque. 

This might not be too outlandish a thought, considering that Eastlake found design inspiration in Middle- and Far-Eastern art. 

This would be an excellent addition (or replacement for a missing piece) in a brownstone or stately Victorian. We’re looking at you, Center Square residents!

Santa’s Workshop Closed...
The Warehouse will be closed on Christmas and New Years Eves (Dec 24th and 31st) . The elves have work to do!

News 

Albany Central Warehouse changes hands as redevelopment effort begins

"Standing outside the 11-story building Thursday, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy praised fellow-Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement earlier this week awarding $9.75 million dollars to kickstart redevelopment of the crumbling structure. It also means a measure of closure after developer Evan Blum missed several deadlines to make repairs while racking up fines as the city spent money on emergency repairs.

Learn more >>

Gather ‘Round These Seven Historic Fireplaces

"Even with the rise of central heating, fireplaces remain a focal point in American homes today. After all, what is a better feeling than returning home from a chilly winter’s day to warm your frozen fingers near a roaring fire or to share a warm drink with good friends in front of a blaze?"

Read more >>

Can Architecture and Urban Planning Fight Back Against Climate Change?

"Climate change has been one of the most pressing topics of this year, and for a good reason. Its effects are visible not only in natural habitats but also in urban environments. The construction industry has an important role to play in this dynamic. Throughout the year, events such as COP27 emphasized the importance of striving to achieve net carbon zero and the challenges faced by developing countries affected by increasingly devastating natural disasters."

Learn more >>