Nominations Sought for Historic Preservation Award

Nominations are being sought for the 34th annual Delaware County Historic Preservation Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse of historic structures and sites within Delaware County.

Award-winners will be presented in May by County Council upon recommendation of the County's Heritage Commission. All nominations must be in by March 2.

You can find a nomination form in the pdf section of this article.

Awards are also given to individuals and organizations whose documentation of preservation efforts have significantly added to the knowledge base of Delaware County's past, said County Councilman David J. White.

“Recognition of individuals, organizations, businesses and institutions for historic projects and activities encourages the preservation of the heritage of Delaware County,” White said.

“We in Delaware County can trace our rich heritage to 1643 when the first settlement was established by Swedes in Tinicum, nearly four decades before the arrival of William Penn in 1682 in Chester. It is important to foster the preservation of historic buildings and sites in Delaware County.  Although it was not established until 1789 as a separate county, Delaware County is where Pennsylvania began.”

General award categories include site preservation, publications, special programs or projects and individual achievements, said White.

Nominations must be submitted on application forms provided by the Heritage Commission. Any individual or organization may submit nominations.

Application forms and information may be obtained by writing the Heritage Commission at the Delaware County Planning Department, Court House and Government Center, 201 W. Front St., Media, PA  19063, or by calling 610-891-4910.

People can also get information and download the application on the county web site. Click on “Call for Preservation Awards Nominations” in the News and Events section.

Founded in 1977, the Heritage Commission is an 11-member board, appointed by County Council, to advise on matters related to county history.