Demand Recognition of Unearthed Privies as a Historical Site in Syracuse, NY


Demand Recognition of Unearthed Privies as a Historical Site in Syracuse, NY
The Issue
In December of 2024, amidst the hustle and bustle of construction on Interstate 81 in Syracuse, NY, Prof. Daniel Seib and his committed team of archaeologists, stumbled upon a remarkable slice of our city’s past. They discovered 11 privies that likely date back to the mid-1800s and could have been in use until the early 1900s. Their find has not only reshaped our understanding of Syracuse’s urban history, but it also revealed unique, tangible artifacts of the bygone era.
However, their discovery requires urgent attention. As an individual of Syracuse, NY, I urge The Historical Society, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to officially mark the area of these unearthed privies as a Historical Site. This isn’t just about acknowledging our past; it's about bridging the historical disconnect and engaging the public with our city's past. Let's imagine a museum with glass floors, so visitors could gaze upon the excavated privies, learning about our city's history and heritage in a truly immersive way.
This petition is not just a plea for preservation - it’s a call to honor and learn from our shared history. Please listen to our call, preserve this site, and engage our community in a unique and memorable way. Your action today can transform these forgotten remnants into an enduring testament of Syracuse's past. Sign this petition and support the creation of a historical legacy for future generations to come.

1
The Issue
In December of 2024, amidst the hustle and bustle of construction on Interstate 81 in Syracuse, NY, Prof. Daniel Seib and his committed team of archaeologists, stumbled upon a remarkable slice of our city’s past. They discovered 11 privies that likely date back to the mid-1800s and could have been in use until the early 1900s. Their find has not only reshaped our understanding of Syracuse’s urban history, but it also revealed unique, tangible artifacts of the bygone era.
However, their discovery requires urgent attention. As an individual of Syracuse, NY, I urge The Historical Society, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to officially mark the area of these unearthed privies as a Historical Site. This isn’t just about acknowledging our past; it's about bridging the historical disconnect and engaging the public with our city's past. Let's imagine a museum with glass floors, so visitors could gaze upon the excavated privies, learning about our city's history and heritage in a truly immersive way.
This petition is not just a plea for preservation - it’s a call to honor and learn from our shared history. Please listen to our call, preserve this site, and engage our community in a unique and memorable way. Your action today can transform these forgotten remnants into an enduring testament of Syracuse's past. Sign this petition and support the creation of a historical legacy for future generations to come.

1
The Decision Makers


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Petition created on January 13, 2025