NYC Plaques Honoring Anaïs Nin & Fillmore East Stolen: The Disheartening Trend of History Erasure

NYC Plaques Honoring Anaïs Nin & Fillmore East Stolen: A Disheartening Trend

This summer, several bronze plaques commemorating important figures in New York City's history were stolen, likely to be sold for scrap metal. This alarming trend is not unique to NYC and reflects a growing problem in cities across the US.

Among the stolen plaques are those honoring:

• Anaïs Nin: The renowned diarist and novelist, whose plaque marked the spot where she ran a printing press on East 13th Street.
• Fillmore East: The legendary rock venue that hosted acts like Jimi Hendrix and the Who, whose plaque marked the site where it once stood.

Adding to the disheartening nature of these thefts, the plaques were meant to honor individuals who might otherwise be forgotten: women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and countercultural figures. These plaques, unlike the grand monuments to presidents and conquerors, made a concerted effort to make often-invisible history visible.

The thefts reflect a growing problem of metal theft, fueled by rising metal prices. Other cities, including Los Angeles, have also seen historic markers stolen, highlighting the need for increased security measures.

The organization responsible for installing the plaques, Village Preservation, is exploring new materials and attachment methods to prevent future thefts and ensure the continued preservation of New York City's rich history.

The Importance of Preserving History

Plaques like these are not just pieces of metal; they represent the stories and contributions of individuals who have shaped our city. Their theft is a loss not only for the community but for all of us. It is crucial that we take steps to protect these valuable historical markers and ensure that future generations can learn from and appreciate the rich history of our city.