Todd Heisler/The New York Times The Pleasant Plains Memorial on Staten Island honoring 13 fallen soldiers and many others from the Pleasant Plains neighborhood who served in World War I.Some 800 monuments â€" like busts and statues of people and animals; memorial benches; and historic plaques â€" are sprinkled throughout the five boroughs, memorializing the household names of the past. But their fame may have faded with time. Lisa W. Foderaro of The Times has written a guide to some of the more obscure historical markers that dot the city.
Perhaps a monument you’ve encountered has seemed puzzling. Is there one you’ve always wondered about? Curious to know more about the person being honored, or why that person was chosen?
Jonathan Kuhn, the parks department’s director of art and antiquities, likely knows the answer, and he’s agreed to reply to reader questions about the city’s monuments on City Room. If you’re wondering about a memorial, ask your question in the comments section below. Mr. Kuhn will reply to selected questions and comments below. Or you can tell us why a monument you’ve seen is meaningful or intriguing to you.
Please include a description of the monument you are intrigued by and its approximate location. The park name would be helpful. If you have a photograph of the monument on Instagram, Flickr or elsewhere online, please include a link with your post. We look forward to reading your questions and observations.
