PRESS RELEASE FROM PRESERVATION BUFFALO NIAGARA
The Turtle (Native American Center for the Living Arts) has achieved a significant victory in its ongoing battle for preservation, receiving a Determination of Eligibility (DOE) from the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. This DOE acknowledges the Turtle's cultural and historical importance, making it eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places—a milestone that recognizes its vital role in Native American history and the heritage of Niagara Falls.
Despite this achievement, the fight to preserve the Turtle is far from over. Earlier this year, the Niagara Falls City Council controversially decided that the Turtle was not “historic enough” to warrant local landmark status. The DOE, granted by State Historic Preservation Officials, stands in stark contrast to the City Council’s ruling, affirming that the Turtle indeed holds significant historical value.
The DOE addressed the age of the building by stating, “While planning for the project started in 1976 and it has not yet reached the 50-year mark, the building appears to be exceptionally significant for the relative rarity of its iconic zoomorphic form. The turtle holds great spiritual significance to the indigenous community, and its sitting, with its head raised to look over Niagara Falls, further connected it to this sacred location.”
The DOE is an essential step, but it is not the final one. While it confirms the Turtle's eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places, the next step requires action from the building's owner to complete the formal nomination process. If successfully listed, the Turtle will gain national recognition and access to resources that could ensure its preservation for future generations.
To mark this achievement and to rally support for the ongoing efforts to save the Turtle, we invite the community to join us on Friday, September 13th, at 6:00 PM at Cataract House Park, located directly across from the Turtle. The event will include a presentation on the Turtle's rich history, the significance of the DOE, and the path forward to secure its place on the National Register.
This gathering is more than a celebration—it's a call to action. As we honor the Turtle’s legacy, we must also look to the future and what we can do to ensure it remains a vibrant part of our shared cultural landscape.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, September 13th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Cataract House Park, Niagara Falls, NY (across from the Turtle)
Preservation Buffalo Niagara: The Turtle has been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places