Greater Portland Landmarks (GPL) was incorporated in 1964 in response to the Urban Renewal movement and the demolition of Union Station (1888). Since then, GPL has worked to increase the public's awareness of, and appreciation for, greater Portland's remarkable built environment.

Through educational programs, hands-on workshops, demonstration projects, research, and outspoken advocacy, GPL has come to be described as the "architectural conscience" of greater Portland.

In addition, GPL stewards the Portland Observatory (1807) for future generations. We offer interpretative exhibits and seasonal guided tours at this incomparable National Historic Landmark. The Observatory is the only remaining maritime signal tower in the nation.

Greater Portland Landmarks is deeply committed to the broad issue of urban planning and community revitalization.

All of our programs, some explicitly and others implicitly, seek to instill pride in community and to model ways for people to become involved in the decision-making process regarding development that will affect their community's future.

Over the years, GPL has broadened its scope of interest to include many elements that contribute to community character, for example, new construction in historic neighborhoods, development projects impacting historic landscapes, and the cleaning and restoration of public statues.

Greater Portland Landmarks understands that responsible stewardship of our built environment rests with many constituencies, each with its own concerns and perspectives.

GPL targets programs and services to each of these groups - from offering technical workshops and information at the Old House Trade Show to developing educational curriculum materials for school children and their teachers; from offering lectures and publications about local history and architecture to recognizing efforts to maintain historic structures through our historic marker program; from preserving the unique collections of the Frances W. Peabody Research Library to publishing a quarterly newspaper, the Landmarks Observer.

Greater Portland Landmarks continually refines its offerings in light of changing development issues, public concerns, and community educational needs. GPL is here to provide assistance to the public and support a thoughtful dialogue about the growth and development of our community for the betterment of all its citizens.