commemorative plaque

{{main|Benin Bronzes}}

The Benin Empire, which flourished in present-day Nigeria between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries, had an exceedingly rich sculptural tradition. One of the kingdom's chief sites of cultural production was the elaborate ceremonial court of the Oba (divine king) at the palace in Benin. Among the wide range of artistic forms produced at the court were rectangular brass or bronze plaques. At least a portion of these plaques, which were mainly created from the thirteenth through sixteenth centuries, commemorate significant persons and events associated with the Oba's court,{{cite book|last=Ezra|first=Kate|title=Royal Art of Benin: The Perls Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art|year=1992|publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art|location=New York|isbn=0810964147|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/royalartofbeninp0000ezra}}{{cite web |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aoa/b/benin_plaque_oba__europeans.aspx |title=Benin plaque: the oba with Europeans |access-date=27 June 2015 |publisher=The British Museum}} including important battles during Benin's sixteenth century expansionary period.{{cite journal|last=Plankensteiner |first=Barbara |title=Benin—Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria. |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/_/print/PrintArticle.aspx?id=171138749 |journal=African Arts |publisher=University of California |date=22 December 2007 |volume=40 |issue=4 |pages=74–87 |doi=10.1162/afar.2007.40.4.74 |s2cid=57571805 |access-date=27 June 2015 |issn=0001-9933}}

{{main|Monumental brass}}

Brass or bronze memorial plaques were produced throughout medieval Europe from at least the early thirteenth through the sixteenth centuries as a form of sepulchral memorial generally inset into the walls of churches or surfaces of tombs. Surviving in great numbers, they were manufactured from sheet brass or latten, very occasionally coloured with enamels, and tend to depict highly conventional figures with brief inscriptions.{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Brasses, Monumental|volume=4}}{{cite book |author1-last=Badham |author1-first=Sally |author2-last=Norris |author2-first=Malcolm |title=Early Incised Slabs and Brasses |location=London |publisher=Society of Antiquaries |date=1999}}

File:Henry Cole, Lock & Whitfield woodburytype, 1876-84.jpg helped set up the first historical marker scheme in 1866.]]

Historical markers are put on display by the owners of sites listed by national agencies concerned with historic preservation such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Register of Historic Places{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/faq.htm#plaque |title=National Register of Historic Places |access-date=2008-10-31 |publisher=National Park Service |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080709051930/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/research/nris.htm |archive-date = 2008-07-09}} (in the United States), the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty{{cite web |url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ |title=The National Trust |access-date=2008-10-31}} (in the United Kingdom), An Taisce{{cite web |url=http://www.antaisce.org/ |title=An Taisce |access-date=2008-10-31 |publisher=National Trust for Ireland}} (in Ireland), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (in the Philippines), and the National Trusts of other countries.

Other historical markers are created by local municipalities, non-profit organizations, companies, or individuals. In addition to geographically defined regions, individual organizations, such as E Clampus Vitus or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, can choose to maintain a national set of historical markers that fit a certain theme.{{cite web |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/464343.html |title=Making their markers |access-date=2008-10-31 |publisher=The News & Observer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210120622/http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/464343.html |archive-date=2009-02-10 }}

The Royal Society of Arts established the first scheme in the world for historical commemoration on plaques in 1866.{{cite web |url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/discover/blue-plaques/ |publisher=English Heritage |title=Blue Plaques |access-date=2011-06-16}}

The scheme was established under the influence of the British politician William Ewart and the civil servant Henry Cole.Hansard vol 172 17 July 1863 quoted in 'The commemoration of historians under the blue plaque scheme in London' by author

Howard Spencer The first plaque was unveiled in 1867 to commemorate Lord Byron at his birthplace, 24 Holles Street, Cavendish Square. The earliest historical marker to survive, commemorates Napoleon III in King Street, St James's, and was also put up in 1867.{{cite web |url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/discover/blue-plaques/about/history/ |publisher=English Heritage |title=History of the Blue Plaques Scheme |access-date=2011-06-16}}

The original plaque colour was blue, but this was changed by the manufacturer Minton, Hollins & Co to chocolate brown to save money.{{cite web |url=http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/vmblueplaques/general/about_blue_plaques.asp |title=About blue plaques |publisher=Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea |access-date=2011-06-16 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003072604/https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/vmblueplaques/general/about_blue_plaques.asp |url-status=dead }} In 1901, the scheme was first taken over by the local government authority - the London County Council.{{cite web |url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/discover/blue-plaques/about/design/ |publisher=English Heritage |title=The Blue Plaque Design |access-date=2011-06-16}}

File:Plaque at Halley Park Bentleigh b.jpg

Several states have a program overseeing the installation of blue plaques similar to those in the UK, including South Australia,{{cite web | title=Heritage plaques | website=City of Adelaide | date=9 April 2019 | url=https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/development-infrastructure/city-heritage/heritage-plaques/ | access-date=23 February 2025}} Victoria,{{cite web | title=Order a blue plaque | website=Heritage Council Victoria | url=https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/protecting-our-heritage/heritage-protection-process/blue-plaque | access-date=23 February 2025}} and New South Wales.{{cite web | title=Blue Plaques | website=Blue Plaques | date=9 September 2022 | url=https://blueplaques.nsw.gov.au/ | access-date=23 February 2025}} There are also many other types of commemorative plaques.

In April 2022 the New South Wales Heritage Minister announced 17 Blue Plaques to celebrate NSW heritage by recognising noteworthy people and events from the state's history. Inspired by the famous London Blue Plaques program run by English Heritage which originally started in 1866, and similar programs around the world, these plaques were selected from over 750 nominations received in November 2021 from community members, organisations, and local councils. People and places recognised by the first batch of plaques to be erected include Bessie Robinson of Canowindra and Duke Kahanamoku and Camden Red Cross.{{cite web |title=Blue Plaques NSW |url=https://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/celebrate/love-your-local-heritage/blue-plaques-nsw/ |website=Heritage NSW |access-date=12 May 2022}}

In November 2023 it was announced that a further 14 people, places and events would be commemorated in the second round of blue plaques sponsored by the Government of New South Wales, chosen from 117 public nominations: Kathleen Butler, godmother of Sydney Harbour Bridge; Emma Jane Callaghan, an Aboriginal midwife and activist; Susan Katherina Schardt; journalist Dorothy Drain; writer Charmian Clift; Beryl Mary McLaughlin, one of the first three women to graduate in architecture from the University of Sydney; Grace Emily Munro, Sir William Dobell, Ioannis (Jack) and Antonios (Tony) Notaras; Syms Covington; Ken Thomas of Thomas Nationwide Transport, Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club and the first release of myxomatosis.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-20 |title=New round of Blue Plaques recognises the stories of NSW |url=https://blueplaques.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/articles/2023/new-round-of-blue-plaques-recognises-the-stories-of-nsw |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=Blue Plaques |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Power |first=Julie |date=2023-11-19 |title=The 'clever girl' who helped build the Harbour Bridge |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-clever-girl-who-helped-build-the-harbour-bridge-20231116-p5ekga.html |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}

To mark the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Ride in which a group of students toured country towns to highlight discrimination against Aboriginal Australians, in February 2025 the Government of New South Wales unveiled a blue plaque commemorating in Walgett, the first of several to be installed in key locations along the route.{{cite web | title=NSW Government marks 60 years since the Freedom Ride | website=NSW Government | date=17 February 2025 | url=https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/nsw-government-marks-60-years-since-freedom-ride | access-date=23 February 2025}}{{cite web | title=1965 Freedom Ride plaque trail | website=Blue Plaques | date=19 February 2025 | url=https://blueplaques.nsw.gov.au/blue-plaques/locations/1965-freedom-ride | access-date=23 February 2025}}

• Bundesdenkmalamt

• Institut du Patrimoine wallon

• National Historic Sites of Canada
• Index: National Historic Sites of Canada

• National Monuments of Chile

• Monument historique
• {{ill|Plaque commémorative|fr|Plaque commémorative#Blue plaque|vertical-align=sup}}

File:Nassenheide-6 WT2005.jpg (Germany)]]

• Berlin memorial plaque
• Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz
• Kulturdenkmal (National Heritage Sites)

• Declared monuments of Hong Kong
• List of Grade I historic buildings in Hong Kong
• List of Grade II historic buildings in Hong Kong
• List of Grade III historic buildings in Hong Kong

• Pune Aitihasik Vastu Smriti

• Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano (National Trust of Italy)

• Rijksmonument
• Gable stone

• New Zealand Historic Places Trust

File:Katedral ng Kalookan NHCP Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony 6.png

{{main|Historical markers of the Philippines|List of Quincentennial historical markers in the Philippines|List of Philippine Nationhood Trail historical markers}}

Historical markers (Filipino: panandang pangkasaysayan; {{langx|es|marcador histórico}}) are cast-iron plaques installed all over the Philippines that commemorate people, places, personalities, structures, and events. They are installed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. This practice started in 1933, with NHCP's predecessor, the Philippine Historical Research and Markers Committee, which initially only marked antiquities in Manila.{{Cite book|title=Historical Markers Placed by the Philippine Historical Committee|publisher=Bureau of Printing|year=1958|location=Manila}} The initial markers were placed in 1934.

Markers have their texts primarily in Filipino, while there are also markers in the English language, especially for markers that were installed during the American colonial era. Markers in regional languages such as Cebuano, Ilocano, and Kapampangan, are also available and issued by the NHCP. Markers are found all over the country, and there have been markers installed outside the country. The plaques themselves are permanent signs installed in publicly visible locations on buildings, monuments, or in special locations. There are more than 1,690 markers to date. Most markers are located within Luzon, especially in Metro Manila (with more than 500), which has prompted the NHCP to install more markers in Visayas and Mindanao, for their greater inclusion in the national historical narrative.{{Cite news|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9c6mrxI4zoYRHJGV0Jvd1lKdEk/view|title=2011-2012.pdf|work=Google Docs|access-date=2018-02-02}}

Issues and controversies have also been the concern of several individual markers, from the commemoration of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos to the reaction of the Japanese embassy to the comfort women statue and marker. There have also been some markers replaced by new ones because of rectified information, theft, or loss due to war or disasters. Many American-era markers have been destroyed or were lost as casualties of World War II.

Local municipalities and cities can also install markers of figures and events of local significance. Though they may have the permission of the NHCP, these markers are barred from using the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.{{Cite news|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9c6mrxI4zoYN0Ewdlk4WG9Ha28/view|title=GUIDELINES_IDENTIF CLASSIF AND RECOG OF HIST SITES & STRUCTS IN THE PHIL.pdf|work=Google Docs|access-date=2018-02-02}}

From March to October 2021, quincentennial historical markers were unveiled by the NHCP and the National Quincentennial Committee as part of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP). As part of the 125th anniversary of the Philippine declaration of independence celebrations, the agency then started unveiling Philippine Nationhood Trail historical markers since 2023.

File:Rizal's Execution Site NHCP Historical Marker.png

File:Sementeryo sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan NHCP Historical Marker.png

File:Church of the Immaculate Conception of Tamontaka Seal.JPG

File:Inauguration of the First Philippine Assembly.jpg

File:Baguio Teachers' Camp historical marker vicinity - NHCP - 2.jpg

File:TagaytayRidge HistoricalMarker TagaytayCity.jpg

• National Monuments of Singapore

• Kulturgüterschutz — or: Protection des biens culturels; Cultural heritage protection in Switzerland; or Protezione dei beni culturali

File:Commemorative blue plaque - Alexandra Palace, world's first High-Definition Television Service.jpg blue plaque at Alexandra Palace commemorates the launch of BBC Television there in 1936.]]

Blue plaques are the principal type of historical markers found throughout England and are the closest thing there is to a historical marker system in the UK. An example is the blue plaque scheme run by English Heritage in London, although these were originally erected in a variety of shapes and colors. This has been running for over 140 years and is thought to be the oldest system of its kind in the world. Plaques are attached to buildings to commemorate their association with important occupants or events.{{cite web |url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/discover/blue-plaques/about/history/ |title=History of the Blue Plaques Scheme |access-date=30 July 2012}} The National Trust (which is a non-profit charity organization unlike English Heritage and English Heritage properties) has its own similar markers as well.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160115124105/http://www.markeroni.com/lists/resource.php?division=ENG Markeroni.com]}}, Information about historical markers and historical plaques, and historic preservation in England, British Isles.{{cite web|url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.1494 |title=English Heritage |publisher=English Heritage |date=2011-10-26 |access-date=2011-11-30}} The Dead Comics' Society installs blue plaques to commemorate the former residences of well-known comedians, including those of Sid James and John Le Mesurier.

However, not all historical markers in the United Kingdom are blue, and many are not ceramic. A range of other commemorative plaque schemes, which are typically run by local councils and charitable bodies, exists throughout the United Kingdom. These tend to use their own criteria for determining the eligibility to put up a plaque. There are commemorative plaque schemes in Bath, Edinburgh, Brighton, Liverpool, Loughton, and elsewhere—some of which differ from the familiar blue plaque. A scheme in Manchester uses color-coded plaques to commemorate figures, with each of the colors corresponding to the person's occupation. The Purple Plaques/Placiau Porffor scheme in Wales uses purple to commemorate significant women.{{cite web |title=Purple plaque stories |url=https://purpleplaques.wales/purple-plaque-stories/ |website=Purple plaques |access-date=2 July 2021}} In 2003, the London Borough of Southwark started a plaque scheme which included living people in the awards. Even in London, the Westminster City Council runs a green plaque scheme which is run alongside that of the blue plaque scheme administered by English Heritage. Other schemes are run by civic societies, district or town councils, or local history groups, and often operate with different criteria.

{{main|Memorial Plaque (medallion)}}

After the First World War, the families of British and British Empire (now Commonwealth) service men and women killed during the conflict were presented with bronze Memorial Plaques. The plaques, of about {{convert|125|mm|in}} in diameter, were designed by the eminent sculptor and medallist, Edward Carter Preston.

In the United States, various state governments have commemorative plaque schemes usually using the name historical markers. The National Trust for Historic Preservation or the U.S. government, through the National Register of Historic Places, can bestow historical status.

State programmes, such as the California Register of Historical Resources, allow designated sites to place their own markers.Chung, Yun Shun Susie. "Collections of Historical Markers and Signage and Public Programming Online at Public History Institutions Such as Museums and Archives." Collections: A Journal for Museum and Archives Professionals 13, no. 3-4 (2017): 243+. The criteria and circumstances through which a party administers the distribution of historical markers varies. For example, the "Preservation Worcester" program in Worcester, Massachusetts, allows a person to register their house or other structure of least fifty years of age if the building is well preserved, with retention of its original character and importance to the architectural, cultural or historical nature of the local neighborhood. One then pays a fee ($185 to $225) to receive the historical marker itself.{{cite web |url=http://www.preservationworcester.org/pages/historic_marker.html |title=Preservationworcester.org |publisher=Preservationworcester.org |access-date=2011-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106205509/http://www.preservationworcester.org/pages/historic_marker.html |archive-date=2011-11-06 }}

File:ParkmanHouse.jpg, a National Historic Landmark on Beacon Hill in Boston, Massachusetts.]]

In the same state, the Boston neighborhood Charlestown has its own local association to administer historical markers.{{cite web |url=http://www.charlestownpreservation.org/historicmarkers.html |title=Charlestownpreservation.org |publisher=Charlestownpreservation.org |access-date=2011-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005042404/http://www.charlestownpreservation.org/historicmarkers.html |archive-date=2011-10-05 }} Other historical markers in and around Boston are administered by agencies such as The Bostonian Society2007 Catalogue For Philanthropy or are associated with sites such as those along the Freedom Trail, the Black Heritage Trail, and the Emerald Necklace.{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/bost/ |title=Boston National Historic Park |publisher=Nps.gov |date=2011-11-17 |access-date=2011-11-30}}

File:Historical Marker - Heathcote Hill.png

Other examples of mostly locally generated historical markers in the United States include:

• Plaque outside the Alaska Governor's Mansion made by the Alaska Centennial Commission's historical markers program,{{cite web|url=http://www.waymarking.com/cat/details.aspx?f=1&guid=82f607f0-483e-4514-a4a9-bfeefaca17b0 |title=Alaska Historic Markers |publisher=Waymarking.com |date=2011-01-31 |access-date=2011-11-30}}
• Historical markers of State Historic Marker Council in Florida,{{Cite web|url=http://www.flheritage.com/preservation/compliance/laws/1a_48.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820004055/http://www.flheritage.com/preservation/compliance/laws/1a_48.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Florida Heritage & Preservation|archivedate=20 August 2006}}
• Markers placed by various agencies in Georgia (of which one source mentions 3,292 different historical markers)
• In Indiana, it is illegal to create a historical marker in the "state format" without first getting official approval from that state's historical bureau,{{cite web |url=http://www.in.gov/history/7363.htm |title=Historical Marker FAQs |publisher=In.gov |date=2009-06-16 |access-date=2011-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215021947/http://www.in.gov/history/7363.htm |archive-date=2009-02-15 }}
• Historical markers in Kansas erected by the Kansas Historical Society and the Kansas Department of Transportation,{{cite web|url=http://www.kshs.org/tourists/markers.htm |title=Kansas Historical Markers |publisher=Kshs.org |access-date=2011-11-30}}
• Roadside Historic Marker Program in Maryland administered by the Maryland Historical Trust,{{Cite web|url=https://mht.maryland.gov/|title=Maryland Historical Trust|website=mht.maryland.gov}}
• State Historic Marker Program of New York (begun in 1926 to commemorate the Sequicentennial of the American Revolution),{{cite web |url=http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/services/marker/srvmarker.html |title=New York State Museum |publisher=Nysm.nysed.gov |date=1998-12-01 |access-date=2011-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905155427/http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/services/marker/srvmarker.html |archive-date=2015-09-05 }}
• Historic markers placed as recently as 2008 in Sussex County, New Jersey,{{cite web |url=http://www.sussex.nj.us/Cit-e-Access/news/index.cfm?NID=11011&TID=7&jump2=0 |title=Sussex County News and Information |publisher=Sussex.nj.us |date=2008-05-14 |access-date=2011-11-30 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927030049/http://www.sussex.nj.us/Cit-e-Access/news/index.cfm?NID=11011&TID=7&jump2=0 |url-status=dead }}
• New Mexico historical markers printed in white letters on a brown background by the New Mexico Department of Transportation,[http://www.nmshtd.state.nm.us/upload/images/District%202/PR4-HistoricMarkersReplaced-2008.pdf New Mexico Department of Transportation] {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
• historical markers of North Carolina (the Historical Publications Section of the state Office of Archives and History publishes a Guide to North Carolina Highway Historical Markers),[http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/464343.html News Observer] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210120622/http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/464343.html |date=10 February 2009 }} (26 July 2006)
• More than 1200 historical markers of Ohio (all of which are now made in a Marietta, Ohio, workshop),{{cite web |url=http://www.touring-ohio.com/history/state-markers.html |title=Manufacturing Ohio's Historic Markers |publisher=Touring-ohio.com |access-date=2011-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002095436/http://www.touring-ohio.com/history/state-markers.html |archive-date=2011-10-02 }}
• Over 550 official state markers in Wisconsin.{{cite web |url=http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/hp/markers/faq.asp |title=Wisconsin Historical Society |publisher=Wisconsinhistory.org |access-date=2011-11-30 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131852/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/hp/markers/faq.asp |url-status=dead }}

See also:

• Historical markers posted at U.S. state and/or municipal levels (examples):
• Georgia Historic Markers
• Indiana State Historic Markers—of statewide historical significance, by state
• New Hampshire State Historic Markers—of statewide historical significance, by state
• Nevada Historic Markers—of statewide historical significance, by state
• New York State Historic Markers—of statewide historical significance, by state
• North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, part of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
• Pennsylvania State Historic Markers—of statewide historical significance, by state
• Texas Historic Markers

Plaques or, more often, plaquettes, are also given as awards instead of trophies or ribbons. Such plaques usually bear text describing the reason for the award and, often, the date of the award.

• Blue plaque
• Hartog Plate
• Historical Marker Database
• Historical markers of the Philippines
• List of blue plaques
• National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty – England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
• National Trust for Scotland
• Parting stone
• Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest
• Stolperstein

{{Reflist|30em}}

• English Heritage, Blue Plaques: A Guide to the Scheme, 2002
• James Loewen, Lies Across America: What Our Historic Sites Get Wrong, 1999.
• Nick Rennison, The London Blue Plaque Guide, 2003
• Derek Sumeray, Discovering London Plaques, 1999
• Derek Sumeray, Track the Plaque, 2003

• {{Commons category-inline|Commemorative plaques}}

{{Historiography}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Award items

Category:Cultural heritage

Category:Cultural history

Category:Cultural history of the United States

Category:Monuments and memorials

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Category:Signage

Category:Types of monuments and memorials