For over 20 years, East Harlem Preservation has worked to promote and uphold local history and culture. We are a bottom-up, volunteer-driven nonprofit led by activists, educators, and artists who live and/or work in East Harlem.

Update on our campaign to honor Dylcia Pagán

This spring, East Harlem Preservation is moving forward (pa'lante!) with our campaign to honor the beloved cultural/political icon, Dylcia Pagán.

Live Art Workshop & Film Screening

Join us on March 20th for a FUN FRIDAYS! film screening and live-art workshop facilitated by artist Marthalicia Matarrita! Help design a public mural honoring the beloved cultural/political icon, Dylcia Pagán. Free art supplies and prizes included! Complimentary snacks courtesy of La Marqueta vendors! Family friendly! RSVP today!

"Dylcia Pagán Place" Street Sign Approved

Our petition for an honorary street co-naming of the NW corner of East 107th Street and Lexington Avenue was overwhelmingly approved by the NYC Council last December. During the campaign, we gathered letters of support from hundreds of East Harlem residents and businesses!

We have scheduled a community unveiling of the "Dylcia Pagán Place" street sign on Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 to be followed by a light reception at Taller Boricua/Puerto Rican Workshop in the Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center. Stay tuned for more details!

Work on the Dylcia Pagán Mural Begins in April

A labor of love, our upcoming mural honoring the late Dylcia Pagán is part of a promise made during her last visit to New York City. The artwork will be located on a building directly behind the “Dylcia Pagán Place” street sign. It will be two stories tall and approximately 25 feet wide. Look for lead-artist Marthalicia Matarrita and the East Harlem Preservation crew in the neighborhood in April, and be sure to support this important project!