November 29, 2012 The Honorable Ken Salazar Secretary United States Department of the Interior 1849 C Street

NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Salazar, I am writing to you today on behalf of Yaddo as you consider potential sites for National Historic Landmark Designation. I strongly encourage you to designate Yaddo as a National Historic Landmark which I understand has now been recommended for this honor by the National Parks System Advisory Board. Yaddo is a beautiful 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs, New York with the purpose of inspiring creative innovation in American artists who are chosen to live and work there. Founded in 1900 by Spencer and Katrina Trask, Yaddo has supported various talented artists by offering them a quiet location in which to conduct their work and collaborate with others alike. Yaddo has been a haven for many notable artists and American cultural icons such as Truman Capote, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath and Edgar Allan Poe, all of whom have praised the nurturing and stimulating environment that Yaddo provides. To this day, Yaddo offers a home to filmmakers, performers, musicians and those working in traditional forms without regard to financial means. Each guest is chosen by a panel of their peers and is permitted to stay for up to two months. The preservation of this wonderful and unique site would not only ensure the conservation of its inimitable history but it would also allow its sustained operation and a future home for current and young artists. The designation of National Historic Landmark would allow Yaddo to receive the resources it needs to continue to play a key role in the support of Americas artists. Thank you for your attention to this important request. If you should have any questions or would like more information about my request, please contact Jamal Halepota (Jamal_Halepota@gillibrand.senate.gov) in my Washington, DC office.