Dec. 1 the deadline for submissions
“Preserving Sarasota County’s history takes people willing to protect the places, stories and resources that connect the community to its past,” the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) points out.
“Established in 2017 by the History and Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County, the Sarasota County Heritage Awards were created to recognize those efforts,” a news release says. The SAHP, which administers the awards on the coalition’s behalf, is accepting nominations for 2027, the release notes.
“Awards honor work in historic preservation, archaeology, historical research and other efforts to preserve Sarasota County’s past,” the release explains. “Nominees may include individuals, organizations, students and professionals whose work has helped preserve, document or deepen understanding of Sarasota County’s history,” the release adds.
Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 1 at www.PreserveSRQ.org/Nominate, the release points out. Award recipients will be notified by Dec. 14, with the awards ceremony planned for the spring of 2027, the release says.
The 2027 Sarasota County Heritage Awards are as follows:
• Gregory A. and Eleana Najmy Hall Adaptive Use and Historic Preservation Awards recognize outstanding historic preservation projects in Sarasota County, including rehabilitation, restoration and adaptive use of historic buildings. Eligible projects must have been completed within five years of the nomination deadline and in accordance with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s standards for historic rehabilitation.
• Lillian Burns Individual Achievement recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to Sarasota County history and preservation through research, education, organizational leadership, public advocacy or related work.
• Archaeological Conservancy recognizes outstanding efforts to preserve and document prehistoric sites or advocate for archaeological conservation.
• Historical Research honors outstanding research and publications that increase knowledge of Sarasota County’s past.
• Organizational Achievement recognizes a Sarasota County history or preservation organization for outstanding work in preservation, education or historical research.
• Historical Collections Preservation recognizes outstanding work preserving, describing and providing public access to historical collections in Sarasota County.
• Student Scholar recognizes student contributions to Sarasota County history, archaeology or preservation through research papers, exhibits, websites, documentaries or other projects.
• Builders/Developers recognizes builders and developers who incorporate historic preservation into their projects while balancing growth with respect for Sarasota County’s historic resources.
• Architects/Designers honors architects and designers whose work contributes to preserving Sarasota County’s prehistoric or historic environment.
• Skilled Trades & Craftsmen recognizes individuals and teams whose expertise in traditional trades and craftsmanship contributes to the preservation or restoration of Sarasota County’s historic resources.
For more information about Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, visit www.PreserveSrq.org.