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PATERSON - U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today announced that the National Park Service has completed the study of Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson for the purpose of nominating it for designation as a National Historic Landmark. A finding of historical significance would be the first step towards the National Park Service becoming involved in preservation of the site.
"Preserving the many historic landmarks in Paterson is critical in recognizing the Silk City's contributions to the fabric of this great nation," said Rep. Pascrell, who fought for more than a decade to pass the Paterson Great Falls National Park Act. "Granting Hinchliffe the distinction it deserves will allow us to honor the many athletes, including Larry Doby, who played in this historic stadium and inspired young athletes in Paterson and beyond. I urge the National Park Service to include Hinchliffe Stadium stadium on the list of National Historic Landmarks to ensure this historic treasure can be enjoyed by many generations to come."
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction.
"We have always affirmed that Hinchliffe Stadium has major national significance; its history speaks for itself," said Brian LoPinto, co-founder of the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium, a non-profit organization working to preserve and protect the historic stadium. "Hinchliffe Stadium is a gem in the African-American narrative. We are grateful to The Landmarks Committee of the National Park Service for considering Hinchliffe Stadium as a National Historic Landmark."
There will be a 60-day comment period on the proposed nomination, after which the nomination and all comments will be submitted to the The Landmarks Committee of the National Park System Advisory Board. The Landmarks Committee will then evaluate the nomination at a meeting to be held on November 7-8, 2012, beginning at 10:00am. on November 7, and continuing at 9:30am on November 8.
Rep. Pascrell’s Great Falls National Historical Park Act, signed into law by President Obama in 2009, contains a provision requiring a study of preservation and interpretation options for Hinchliffe Stadium and a recommendation by the National Park Service on whether to include the Stadium in its list of National Historical Landmarks.
Letters objecting to or supporting nominations may be sent to:
Mr. J. Paul Loether
Chief, National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program
National Park Service
120 1 Eye Street, NW (8th floor),
Washington, DC 20005.
A copy of the nomination can be found at the website for the National Historic Landmarks Program:
http://www.nps.gov/nhl/Fall2012Noms.htm
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