Several bronze plaques in New York City commemorating historic figures have been removed from buildings this summer, likely to be sold for scrap metal. The stolen plaques include tributes to writer Anaïs Nin, the iconic Fillmore East music venue, and Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman to earn a medical degree. Fortunately, Blackwell’s plaque was left on the sidewalk rather than taken. The plaques were installed by Village Preservation at a cost of $1,250 each, aiming to honor overlooked pioneers such as women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and countercultural sites.
Andrew Berman, the executive director of Village Preservation, expressed dismay at the thefts, emphasizing the importance of making often invisible history visible. Anaïs Nin’s stolen plaque highlighted her contributions to literature, connecting her with a broader audience. Elizabeth Blackwell’s plaque acknowledged her groundbreaking work establishing the first hospital run by and for women in 1857. The Fillmore East plaque commemorated the beloved concert hall opened by promoter Bill Graham in 1968, known for its unique atmosphere and psychedelic shows.
The theft of historical markers is not limited to New York City; other cities like Los Angeles have also experienced similar incidents due to the increasing value of metals. Additionally, a statue of Jackie Robinson, the pioneering baseball player who broke the Major League’s color barrier, was stolen from a park in Wichita earlier this year and has since been replaced. Village Preservation intends to replace the stolen plaques and is exploring using materials less desirable for resale or finding more secure ways to attach them. Berman noted that they are still working on finding a comprehensive solution to prevent future thefts.
