#United States #Milwaukee #National Trust #Preservation Awards #Historic Homes

2025 National Preservation Awards Celebrate Transformative Heritage Work

On September 16, 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation revealed the eight winners of this year's National Preservation Awards in Milwaukee, highlighting the exceptional dedication of individuals and organizations committed to preserving America’s historic treasures.

Honoring Visionaries in Preservation

The National Preservation Awards acknowledge those who have significantly contributed to their communities through preservation initiatives. These awards represent the pinnacle of recognition within the preservation field, celebrating diverse efforts that have revitalized neighborhoods and fostered community unity.

During the awards ceremony, attendees were treated to inspiring video presentations showcasing the winners' projects, all of which exemplify the creative potential of historical preservation. Caroline Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, emphasized, “Preservation is a creative force... Through saving and adapting historic places for modern use, we can strengthen community engagement and promote economic opportunity.”

This Year's Distinguished Winners

Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award

Althemese Pemberton Barnes (Tallahassee, FL)
Althemese Pemberton Barnes has made monumental strides in safeguarding African American cultural heritage in Florida. As founder of the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network, she has established networks that empower over fifty institutions, promoting awareness of their rich histories.

Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award

The Battery (Philadelphia, PA)
The Battery, formerly a power station, is now an inspiring example of adaptive reuse. This 300,000+ square foot project blends apartments, offices, and event spaces while revitalizing its connection to the Delaware River waterfront, preserving a significant piece of Philadelphia's industrial history.

Lawson House Rehabilitation (Chicago, IL)
Having undergone extensive renovation, Lawson House now combines affordable housing with historic preservation. Its $128 million rehabilitation project transformed a once-derelict YMCA into a vibrant residence supporting Chicago's most vulnerable populations.

The Orange Mound Library Genealogy Center (Memphis, TN)
Once closed for decades, the former Melrose School has returned to community service as a mixed-use space, housing a library, senior apartments, and a genealogy center, making it a vital cultural hub for Orange Mound’s residents.

Preservation Partnership Award

Zoar Village National Historic Landmark Levee Project (Zoar Village, OH)
The levee restoration project exemplifies collaboration among several entities, ensuring the continued protection of Zoar Village's historic resources and community well-being.

Trustees' Award for Organizational Excellence

Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation (Baton Rouge, LA)
For 46 years, this organization has been instrumental in advocacy efforts across Louisiana, empowering communities to recognize and cherish local histories, while promoting resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Trustee's Emeritus Award for Historic Site Stewardship

The O'Connor House (Tempe, AZ)
The adobe home of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was meticulously relocated to preserve its legacy. It now serves as an engagement space for discussing civil discourse and civic duties, reflecting O'Connor's dedication to fostering understanding.

John H. Chafee Trustees' Award for Public Policy Excellence

Marsh Davis (Indiana)
As the president of Indiana Landmarks, Marsh Davis has championed preservation as a means to engage communities and promote cultural recognition, making significant impacts on public policy and community revitalization efforts.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation emphasizes that the work of these awardees continues to inspire innovative solutions for preserving historic sites while serving community needs. The annual PastForward conference, occurring alongside the awards, fosters dialogue on pressing issues in preservation, ensuring that the movement remains dynamic and inclusive.

For more information about the winners and their projects, visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation's website at SavingPlaces.org.

This year's awards not only celebrate past achievements but also challenge us to envision how we can creatively reuse and celebrate our historical places. Through continued advocacy and innovative thinking, preservation will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the future of our cities and communities.