'The Landmarks of New York' collection includes over 80 photographs of landmarked buildings in New York that were commissioned for an exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of New York City Landmarks Preservation Act. The exhibition was sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

New York City's Landmarks Preservation Act was created in April 1965 in response to the destruction of Pennsylvania Station the previous year to make way for the construction of Madison Square Garden. This act established the New York City Preservation Commission, which is responsible for protecting New York City's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites by granting them landmark or historic district status, and regulating them once they are designated. This Commission is the largest municipal preservation agency in the nation. Since the Landmarks Preservation Act was established in 1965 more than 30,000 structures and environments throughout the five boroughs have been designated as landmarks and thus protected from destruction.

This exhibition, 'The Landmarks of New York', was curated by Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel has devoted her career to preserving New York City's cultural heritage. In 1966, she was appointed the first director of Cultural Affairs for New York City, and went on to become the longest serving Commissioner on the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission (1972 to 1987). She subsequently served as Chair of the Historic Landmarks Preservation Foundation (1987-1995) and since 1995, has been the Chair of the Historic Landmarks Preservation Center.

The photographs in 'The Landmarks of New York' exhibition aim to portray the life and times of an American city from its origins through the colonial and early national periods to its emergence as one of the world largest metropolises. As the city grew, single family houses were replaced by apartment buildings and skyscrapers, and agriculture was replaced by commerce. All of these structures tell the story of New York's journey from a small colonized village to a world class city. The exhibition was created in conjunction with the publication of the book, 'The Landmarks of New York: An Illustrated Record of the City's Historic Buildings', by Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel.

'The Landmarks of New York' exhibition traveled to 82 countries under the sponsorship of the United States Department of State from 2006 to 2009 and returned home to New York for its final showing. It was exhibited at The New-York Historical Society from April 30 - July 12, 2009. The photographs in the exhibition were then donated to the New-York Historical Society by Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, the exhibition's curator.