DDM President Keith Nagle Wins Prestigious Preservation Award

Keith Nagle accepting the Ida Lee Willis Award.

  

Ida Lee Willis Memorial Preservation Awards are presented each May, which is National Historic Preservation Month. The awards recognize those who have demonstrated an understanding of and appreciation for the value of preserving and reusing Kentucky’s historic resources, whether through the rehabilitation of an important structure or community resource, or lifetime commitment to encouraging and promoting historic preservation. The awards are named for the late Ida Lee Willis, a former Kentucky first lady who was appointed first executive director of the Kentucky Heritage Commission (now the Kentucky Heritage Council) in 1966.

IDA LEE WILLIS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION PRESERVATION AWARD WINNERS

The Ida Lee Willis Memorial Award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the cause of historic preservation in the Commonwealth. The 2013 recipient is Stephen L. Collins, of Shelbyville, vice chairman of the Kentucky Heritage Council, chairman of the Kentucky Historic Properties Advisory Commission, and longtime chairman of the Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation. His fellow board members chose to honor him this year for his lifetime of service to preservation.

Preservation Project Awards recognize outstanding examples of restoration or rehabilitation of historic buildings, or other types of projects that have had a positive impact on Kentucky’s built environment. 2013 recipients are:

·         The Cox Building, Maysville

·         Rockcastle River Historic Truss Bridge, advocate Jim Hayes and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

·         Sadieville Rosenwald School

Service to Preservation Awards honor those who have furthered historic preservation activities or have had a positive impact in their communities, including individuals, organizations, public officials, financial institutions, news media, and/or volunteers. 2013 recipients are:

·         Nancy Adams, Pine Mountain Settlement School

·         Keith Nagle, Discover Downtown Middlesboro

·         Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation deTours Committee, led by board member sponsor Pamela Perlman

New this year, the awards selection committee voted to give special awards to two groups for their personal commitment to taking up a local preservation cause, and going above and beyond to engage others in their efforts. Recipients of Grassroots Preservation Awards are:

·         Obie Fardo, Frank Hussung, Billie Newman and Charlie Pyles, for rehabilitation of Bethel Church and Cemetery in Pendleton County

·         Friends of Sherman Tavern, Dry Ridge

Additional information about recipients and projects will be posted following the ceremony. For questions, contact Diane Comer, 502-564-7005, ext. 120 or email diane.comer@ky.gov.

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An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the identification, protection and preservation of archaeological resources and historic buildings, sites and cultural resources throughout the Commonwealth, in partnership with other state and federal agencies, local communities and interested citizens. This mission is integral to making communities more livable and has a far-ranging impact on issues as diverse as economic development, jobs creation, affordable housing, tourism, community revitalization, environmental conservation and quality of life.  www.heritage.ky.gov