The New York Landmarks Conservancy (NYLC) has announced the winners of the 2019 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards. Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, located at 34-41 137th St. in Flushing, is among the projects that will be recognized at a special ceremony at The Plaza in Manhattan on April 23.

The 1889 wood-frame residence had deteriorated roofing and siding, peeling paint, and broken shutters. These conditions left Latimer House struggling to present a welcoming appearance. The much-needed restoration improved the entire envelope. Wood clapboards and trim were replaced, and the two-story dwelling was painted. The wood shingle roof and associated systems were replaced to match the historic roof. Plus, new lightning protection will help preserve the museum’s future.

“The Lucys are a joyous celebration of great preservation work and great preservation leaders,” said NYLC President Peg Breen. “It’s a wonderful and, often moving, look at why historic homes and institutions mean so much to us.”

Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928) overcame a lack of formal education to become a great inventor. Latimer House celebrates his achievements as well as African-American heritage and inspires future generations of visionaries. This restoration ensures that the legacy will be protected and honored.

Born to fugitive slaves, Latimer taught himself technical drawing while enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. He later created the complicated illustrations for the attorneys who Alexander Graham Bell used to patent the telephone. At the U.S. Electric Light Company, he oversaw installation of lighting in major cities around the world and invented a new method of making carbon filaments for the incandescent lamp. In 1884, Latimer went to work for Thomas Edison on the light bulb. Over time he became an expert on patent law, a poet, and a painter. The Renaissance Man also helped found the New York Unitarian Church. In 1903, Latimer and his wife, Mary Wilson Lewis, purchased the Queen Anne-style house where he lived for the rest of his life. Originally on Holly Street, the residence was rescued from demolition, moved to its current location in 1988, and converted into a museum.

The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation owns the property, while the Lewis H. Latimer Fund Inc. operates the museum. It’s a member of the Historic House Trust, which oversaw this project. Today, the Latimer House provides multi-lingual STEAM programming and exhibitions that call attention to contributions to science, technology, and American life by its namesake and other African Americans.

The Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards are NYLC’s highest honors for excellence in preservation. They recognize individuals, organizations, and building owners for their extraordinary contributions to NYC. NYLC is grateful for the support of the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, which makes the awards possible.

The 2019 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards project recipients include: 2 Park Avenue; 39 Clifton Place; 202 Guernsey Street; 462 Broadway; George B. and Susan Elkins House; Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice; Freehand Hotel; George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School; The Hispanic Society of America; Knickerbocker Club; Prospect Park Wellhouse; Starrett Lehigh Building; and Tenement Museum. Staten Island resident Barnett Shepherd will receive the Preservation Leadership Award, which is given to an outstanding individual in the field of historic preservation.

NYLC has led the effort to preserve and protect NYC’s architectural legacy for 45 years. Since its founding, NYLC has loaned and granted more than $52 million, which has leveraged more than $1 billion in 1,550 restoration projects throughout New York, revitalizing communities, providing economic stimulus and supporting local jobs. NYLC has also offered countless hours of pro bono technical advice to building owners, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Its work has saved more than 1,000 buildings across the city and state, protecting New York’s distinctive architectural heritage for residents, visitors, and future generations. For more information, visit http://www.nylandmarks.org.