Harford County Historic Preservation Commission Recognizes Havre de Grace, Bel Air, Aberdeen Proving Ground Groups

From Harford County Government:

(Bel Air, MD – May 11, 2012) The Harford County Historic Preservation Commission has announced its 17th annual award recipients during a breakfast ceremony at the Liriodendron Mansion in Bel Air.

Presented each May in honor of National Historic Preservation Month, the awards recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to stewardship of the County’s historic and cultural resources. Mr. James Chrismer, Chair of the Harford County Historic Preservation Commission, acted as master of ceremonies, and County Executive David R. Craig gave opening remarks congratulating the award winners and extolling the importance of historic preservation in Harford County.

Special Preservation Awards acknowledge groups or individuals whose programming, activities, publications, exhibits, demonstrations, or presentations advance historic preservation to the general public. There were two Special Preservation Awards this year; Havre de Grace Historic Preservation Commission and the City of Havre de Grace for the completion of The Lafayette Trail brochure and the Historical Society of Harford County, Town of Bel Air and Harford County for their work in honoring Maryland veterans through the Veterans’ Day Celebration Committee.

Accepting on behalf of the Havre de Grace HPC and City of Havre de Grace were Commission members Ms. Grace Dennis, Ms. Ellen Eltgroth, Mr. Robert Greene, Ms. Kathy Keen and Ms. Judy Plitt. Accepting for the Veterans’ Day Celebration Committee was Ms. Carol Deibel and Ms. Maryanna Skowronski, Director of the Harford County Historical Society, Chief of Police Leo Matrangola with the Town of Bel Air and Councilman “Capt’n” Jim McMahan with Harford County Government.

Preservation Project Awards recognize significant achievements in preserving, restoring, or finding a sensitive adaptive re-use for the County’s built environment. This year the Commission recognized the Aberdeen Proving Ground Department of Public Works for their commitment to the preservation of historic buildings on the APG campus, specifically for their efforts to restore the Gunpowder Meetinghouse and Quiet Lodge. Director of the Department Public Works Thomas Kuchar, Garrison Commander Col. Orlando Ortiz and Mr. Mark Gallihue accepted the award.

The next award of the day, the Preservationist Honor Award, went to the Harford Land Trust. The Preservationist Honor Award is given to individuals, museums, organizations, or businesses whose work and vision over a prolonged period have sustained the richness of the County’s heritage and promoted the cause of historic preservation in Harford County.

The 2012 award pays tribute to the Harford Land Trust on their 20th Anniversary and for their dedication to the preservation of landscapes and viewsheds in Harford County. Accepting the award for the Harford Land Trust was Executive Director Margaret Niland, President of the Board of Directors, Harry Webster, and Vice President of the Board, Dr. Dennis Kirkwood.

The final award of the day was given to Ms. Christine Presberry Tolbert for her devotion and dedicated stewardship of Hosanna School over 31 years; she was awarded the Preservation Stewardship Award for her tremendous efforts. Accepting the award on behalf of Ms. Tolbert was her cousin and fellow Hosanna School Museum Board Member Ms. Agnes Minor.

The Historic Preservation Commission, an eleven member board of appointed volunteers, works closely with the Department of Planning and Zoning to advocate for historic preservation of the County’s cultural resources. Commissioners meets monthly and are responsible for recommending properties to the County Historic Landmarks list, assisting property owners on the physical and financial aspects of preservation, and cultivating community support for the preservation and promotion of the County’s historical and cultural heritage.

For more information about Harford County’s Historic Preservation Program, visit www.harfordcountymd.gov/PlanningZoning or please contact Leah Mayer, Historic Preservation Planner, at (410) 638-3103 ext. 1385 or lmmayer@harfordcountymd.gov.