Ambassador Remarks for Landmarks of NY Opening
November 8, 2007
National Museum

Minister of Culture, Tourism & Communication, Government Spokesman
Madame Director of the National Museum
Honored Guests
Ladies & Gentlemen

Thank you for joining us this afternoon for the official opening of the Landmarks of New York photo exhibit at the National Museum. The exhibition is composed of 83 black and white photos of noted New York City buildings that have been certified as historic landmarks.  These photos emphasize the important role that public architecture has played in American life. 

This exhibition carries an important message about the institutions and ideas that Americans hold dear.  People may think of New York as a vast city marked by a towering built landscape, but this exhibition illustrates the values of social cohesion, respect for heritage, and the strength of public institutions to which New Yorkers and all Americans are committed.  This is especially poignant as we look back to the events of September 11, which forever changed America’s landscape. 

One thing these landmarks have in common is their shared role in the social growth of the United States.  Processing centers for early immigrants, housing, schools, museums, and public libraries all combined to provide a young, growing country with the kinds of institutions it needed to nurture its citizens.  The images offer a positive vision of hope and freedom that we hope will engage audiences in Burkina Faso. Through this exhibit the U.S. Embassy is highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and heritage, our commitment to democratic institutions and public investment in their stability, and an appreciation of local history and culture.  Preservationists have long understood the benefits of protecting the past from destruction.  The preservation of our landmarks provides a sense of continuity between past and present, and an appreciation of the accomplishments that outlast an individual life.  We hope that this will encourage Burkinabe citizens to celebrate their own history and preserve their architectural heritage as well. 

Among American cities, New York is the leader in the preservation of its landmarks. The abundance and variety of these buildings is surprising, ranging from the best efforts of our finest architects, to excellent examples of common building types. It is an architectural record that touches upon every aspect of life. Hidden within this great city is evidence of America's proudest achievements: the taverns and farms of the eighteenth century; the factories, banks, and offices of the 19th century; and the office towers, universities, museums, parks, and houses of worship, of the 20th century.

The construction dates of these buildings range from 1640 to 1967.  They help chart the growth of New York City from a small merchant city to a modern metropolis, shed light on the evolution of our cultural history, and encompass the dreams and illusions of one generation passed on for the enrichment of the next. 

I would particularly like to thank the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Communication and the Director of the National Museum for giving us the opportunity to bring this exhibit to Ouagadougou and for the long-standing cooperation between the American Embassy and their organizations.

I truly hope that you enjoy this wonderful exhibit and that it inspires you to look for and preserve the cultural heritage of Burkina Faso, Africa, and the world.