The 2020 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards look a little different this year as we take them virtual for the first time. We’re all learning how to adapt to our changing world and the need for more technology.
What has not changed is the great work that has been accomplished by our award recipients. This is a celebration of people and projects that are an inspiration to all of us.
Our 24 awards represent 11 counties, with Northampton and Allegheny counties tied with five awards each. The 2020 honorees include all types of projects led by individuals, nonprofits, municipalities and developers using private funds, grant dollars, and historic tax credits.
This year has been a challenge for all of us, but Preservation Pennsylvania has been working harder than ever to engage with new audiences and tell new stories. We’ve discovered that Zoom meetings allow us to reach all over the state quickly. We can’t wait to visit these places in person again in the future, but in the meantime, we are making it work in new ways.
Connecting with Brenda Barrett, this year’s F. Otto Haas recipient, via Zoom reminded me that I don’t see her often enough, and as we talked, I shared some memories of her perseverance and mad skills of negotiation that inspired
me when I was just starting in preservation. She is so very deserving of this honor, and I welcome her to the ranks of the many amazing and talented Haas honorees.
Until we can meet again in person, I wish you the best as you carry on your preservation work. In the meantime, enjoy reading these inspiring stories – a reminder that so often successful preservation is all about perseverance and taking the long view.
Mindy G. Crawford, Executive Director
Please click here to download the awards newsletter as a souvenir of this year’s wonderful honorees.
If you were unable to join us for the award ceremony, take the opportunity to watch the video and marvel at the exceptional preservation work happening across our state.