Never
Doubt That The Power of Ordinary People Can Effect Change
The
Woodstock Site
A Cause for Preservation
In this great world of ours, the wheels of progress
spin at an astonishing rate, and in the wake of this growth, we stand
witness to the changes that have been made before us.There are times when we agree with change.It's seen as abetterment
to ourselves, our communities, country and our world.Some change goes unnoticed.It doesn't impact our personal lives, we've grown complacent
and trust that it's for the best.But
then there are times when these powerful wheels of progress pose detriment
to what we value and respect, and we are compelled with a sense... to
stand in opposition.
And so, how it was for those who stood under the banner
of the Woodstock Preservation Alliance.The wheels of change had reached the site of the 1969 Woodstock
Festival- the global icon to
a generation, monument to peace, holding historical merit which deemed it
eligible for the National Register 17 years ahead of its time - and there
were many who stood in opposition.The
mission of the Woodstock Preservation Alliance was to perpetuate the
spirit of Woodstock and to preserve the site as an open field where all
people would be welcome to celebrate peace, love and music.It was the compelling sense of a few, who embraced that mission and
evolved into an independent preservation entity and led the cause for the
historical preservation of an irreplaceable piece of global history and
fought for the adherence to the best practices in preservation planning.
This website is a compilation of those efforts, which spanned over 2 years
and included local, state and federal government/agencies.
The Woodstock Preservationists did pose consequence to
this development.Project
plans were downsized by 90 per cent, but unfortunately, our goal of
keeping the Woodstock Site free from all permanent structures was not
realized.Federal financial
support granted for the Bethel Woods project was declined by the Gerry
Foundation Inc. (owner of the property) at the eleventh hour, closing the
doors to any further involvement by the Woodstock Preservationists. Our
opportunity to be most influential - voice concerns and present
alternatives to the federal government at a Section 106 Review - was
erased with their decision to decline federal aid.On July 19, 2004, ground was broken for Bethel Woods - Center for
the Arts, which includes the development of the 38 acre parcel known
worldwide as the Woodstock Site.For 35 years, this landmark had remained virtually untouched,
drawing thousands of visitors annually from around the world - without as
much as a road sign pointing the way.People who travel from all corners of the world, and all walks of
life, to experience what that land has to hold - and what it represents.
The wheels of progress bring about change, and in the
wake of this growth, we will bear witness to the destruction of a national
and global icon, which defined a generation, rich in social, cultural, and
historical significance.The
1969 Woodstock Festival Site will be altered forever.
This Woodstock-Preservation Archives are a history in
themselves, and are being made available as a testimonial to the effort
that was put forth in our attempt to preserve the Woodstock Site.This website contains documentation to make it evident that there
were those of us who stood up to the wheels of progress, tried to make a
difference, and preserve a piece of history for generations to come.The Woodstock Preservationists, the Woodstock Preservation Alliance
and the commitment to the historical preservation of the original
Woodstock Site will forever be a part of the Woodstock Legacy.
Additionally, we hope that this website and the
information contained herein, might serve as a tool for others. We would
like to share our experiences and what we learned, what we faced and how
we approached the issues, and how we pursued the avenues of preservation
with other "concerned citizens" or "grass roots
organizations", who may be facing similar situations in their
struggles to preserve what we value and respect.
Change is eminent, but not always necessary.It is our prerogative, as a people, to stand in opposition when
that change infringes on what is best.We, as ordinary citizens, have a voice and a right to be heard when
progress threatens that which we revere as tangible reminders of our past
- and it is possible for a few people to make a difference.
~The Woodstock Site - Historic Preservation Activists ~
*****
Brad Littleproud and Joanne Hague - Lead Preservationists
Michael W. Doyle, Ph.D. - Consultant
Woodstock
Peace, Music & Memories tells the story of this society changing
event, in the words and photos of the people who were there.
The book, with its natural, recycled look and mix of hundreds of
color, sepia and black and white photos, plus interviews with
performers, invites readers to journey back to three days of peace and
music. Everyone from baby-boomers and musicians who were there and
those who wish they were, to collectors and historians will find that
the historical photos, stories and existing memorabilia in this book
serve as a unique tribute to three history-making days in '69.
Forty years ago, amidst the decadence and
destruction of a nation at war, civil unrest, and political dissention,
the most sensational and romanticized event known to mankind was
orchestrated by Artie Kornfeld and his partners in Woodstock Ventures.
This is the life of a New York archetypal bad boy -- a believer who saw
music as the universal solvent for global rapport and acceptance and
used his ability to unite the masses.
Peace
Sign Pendants
Hand Made From the Actual 1969 Woodstock Festival Fence.
All
websites linked throughout these pages are the copyright of
their respective owners.
The Woodstock -
Preservation Archives uses sights and sounds of this
historical event copyrighted by individuals and
corporations, and is protected under code 17 U.S.C. § 107
(1988 ed. and Supp. IV), known as the Fair Use Provision of the Copyright
Act.
