Friends of Abolitionist Place, a nonprofit group active in the preservation of a historically-significant Downtown Brooklyn building, was one of the awardees of the 2026 Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards by the Preservation League of NYS.
The award shines a light on the people who are using historic preservation to create positive change —through exemplary restoration projects, indispensable publications, individual action, and organizational distinction.
“This year’s Excellence Award winners truly represent what historic preservation is today,” Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo said in a statement. “Our winners span the state from the urban centers of Buffalo and New York City to the rural communities of the Adirondacks. There are adaptive reuse projects, groups that have demonstrated long term stewardship and grassroots advocacy, and examples of truly exceptional craftsmanship."
The League said Friends of Abolitionist Place demonstrated steadfast leadership in protecting and elevating one of New York's most important, yet long-overlooked, sites connected to the Underground Railroad.
The organization was formed to preserve 227 Abolitionist Pl. (227 Duffield St.) in Downtown Brooklyn, at a time when rapid development threatened to erase this history. Friends of Abolitionist Place emerged as a community-driven voice committed to ensuring that the stories of Black resistance, freedom, and collective action remain visible within New York's built environment, the League said.
The impact of the organization extends far beyond the preservation of a single building, officials said. The group's work demonstrates how grassroots leadership, community advocacy, and historical scholarship can come together to protect cultural heritage and inspire future generations. Through persistence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to historical justice, the organization has transformed a threatened site into a powerful symbol of remembrance, resilience, and community stewardship. Friends of Abolitionist Place represents an exemplary model of community-based historic preservation, according to the League.
