It was the summer of ‘69.  The dates were the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th of August, and the headlines read “They've Never Seen Nothin' Like This” and “Traffic Uptight at Hippiefest”.  The focus was on the small town of Bethel, New York, the farm of Max Yasgur, and a festival promoted as “3 Days of Peace & Music”.  What was originally developed as a venture to raise funds for a recording studio in Woodstock NY, transpired into a spectacular historic event of unparallel social and cultural meanings.  History was made that weekend in 1969.  It was a watershed event that defined a generation, and is known universally, as  “Woodstock”.   Over 400,000 people converged on Yasgur’s Farm that weekend, with traffic tie-ups preventing the estimated million from ever arriving. Through situation and circumstance, a crowd comprised mainly of middle class youth, was able to endure the conditions through the counterculture’s practices of caring and sharing of all available resources.  The “Woodstock Generation Spirit” of activism, equity, community, ecology, balance and a desire for a better world played out those days in “the garden“, and during one of the most tumultuous times in our history, there existed a moment where “peace“ prevailed. 

“Woodstock” and “Yasgur's Farm” have since remained iconic images for peace and common struggle, and the site where that historic event took place is regarded as a monument - a global landmark.  The magnificence of the open and free, pastural setting was forever made part of our cultural imagery through Michael Wadleigh’s documentary, and each year, thousands of visitors from around the world, make the pilgrimage back to “the garden”, to stand witness to where at all happened. 

The Woodstock Site, in its original, undeveloped state, is important as it is a tangible reminder of the cultural, historical, and socially significant event that occurred there in 1969.  Although the event has been analyzed and debated numerous times, the site has come to symbolize the social and political climate of the late 1960's - the divisiveness of the United States over issues such as the Viet Nam War, civil rights, sexual liberation, freedom of speech, and personal expression - and for years to follow, those who made the journey to Yasgur’s Farm to reminisce, reflect, imagine, wonder or dream, were welcomed by the majestic freedom of that open field. 

The Woodstock Site has always brought about an agenda for controversy, now compounded by the sale of this land, change came very pronounced in 1996.  Police blockades prevented entrance to the site and what was once privileged, was now restricted.  The Woodstock Nation Foundation challenged the legality of the deed in 1997, and defended the public’s easement and right to continue free assembly on the site.  The once known freedom of the open field was now compromised by fencing, concrete barriers, visiting hours and security patrols, and these actions initiated the  and historical values of that land.   By 1998, an assembly of people had grown out of concern and opposition to what was taking place in Bethel. This group, known as The Friends of Yasgur’s Farm, stood on a foundation of beliefs regarding the  perpetuation of the Woodstock spirit.  In October 2000, a “grass roots” organization was brought to life by a few individuals who saw the need to protect this historic land and The Woodstock Preservation Alliance was born out of the love and respect for one of the most extraordinary happenings of the 20th century.  Their mission was to preserve the Woodstock site as an open field, where all would be welcome for generations to come, and they paved the way for the efforts that followed.  The spring of 2002 brought with it plans for the construction of the of the performing arts center, and also an evolution in the preservation efforts.  An advanced historical preservation campaign emerged - informed, pro-active and well-defined.  With the Woodstock Site deemed eligible for the National Register, and federal funds pledged in support of this project, the Historical Preservationists launched a most compelling cause for the historic preservation of the 1969 Woodstock festival site.  The commitment to history, and dedication to the preservation of a global landmark spanned over two years, and is documented within this website.

Because people’s values and beliefs are often represented through the tangible things we possess and keep - mementos and symbols.  We have battlefields to reflect on the cruelty and aggressiveness of mankind.  Our walled memorials, printed with names, allow us to reflect on sacrifice.  The memorial to 9-11, will allow us to reflect on terror and horrible injustice.  But where is the place to reflect on peace?  Where is the place to reflect on the ideals that unity is better than divisiveness?  Where is the place to celebrate hope?  It’s in nature.  In a pasture.  Something not man-made and with no need for intervention or modification.  It already exists on the Woodstock Site.