Maryland Preservation Awards

The Maryland Historical Trust began its tradition of honoring outstanding preservation efforts throughout the state in 1975 with the creation of the Calvert Prize.  The Maryland Preservation Awards are presented annually by the Board of Trustees and honor outstanding achievements in the following categories:  Heritage Book, Preservation Project, Preservation Service, Stewardship, Educational Excellence, and the Calvert Prize. The awards recognize activities in historic preservation, architecture, archaeology, museums, cultural conservation, education, and related fields and represent the best of preservation in Maryland.

Individuals, non-profit and for-profit organizations or institutions, museums, and federal, state and local agencies are all eligible to receive MHT Preservation Awards.  Current MHT staff, Trustees and projects solely sponsored by MHT are not eligible.  Projects using MHT grant funds are eligible.  Self-nominations are accepted.

Calvert Prize

The Calvert Prize is presented to an individual, organization, agency or institution for paramount leadership in or contributions to the preservation of Maryland’s architectural and cultural heritage at the statewide level.  The activity or service can be of a specific or ongoing nature, but it must have had a significant impact at the broadest state level and advanced public appreciation of historic preservation.

Click here for a list of past recipients of the Calvert Prize

Project Excellence Awards

Project Excellence Awards are presented to property owners for restoration or rehabilitation projects that demonstrate superlative historic preservation standards.  Projects can include additions to historic structures; adaptive reuse of historic structures; construction of a sensitive new building in a historic environment; and restoration or rehabilitation of a historic structure. Projects by do-it-yourselfers as well as those done by professionals are welcome. Preservation Projects must be of exceptional quality and/or have had a significant impact on the preservation community.  All projects must meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.  Special consideration is given to those projects that incorporate sustainable planning and/or building practices, using federal, state, and local tax credits, affordable housing provisions, and neighborhood revitalization practices.  The project must have been completed within the last two years.

Click here for a list of past recipients of Project Excellence Awards

Preservation Partnership Awards

Preservation Partnership awards are presented annually to individuals, organizations, agencies, or institutions in recognition of meaningful collaborations, partnerships, and relationships developed between governments, nonprofit organizations, and/or the private sector during the course of a project’s planning, development, and/or execution.   The intent of this award is to acknowledge and honor the unique and mutually beneficial relationships that are often vital to a preservation project’s successful implementation. 

Click here for a list of Preservation Partnership Award recipients

Preservation Service Awards

Preservation Service Awards are presented to individuals, organizations, agencies or institutions for laudable activities or accomplishments that advance the public’s appreciation, understanding and/or involvement in historic preservation and/or conservation of living traditions at the local or regional level in Maryland. 

Click here for a list of past recipients of Preservation Service Awards

Heritage Book Awards

Heritage Book Awards are presented to the author and primary supporting or sponsoring entity for heritage books of scholarly or general interest, the focus of which is Maryland architecture, archeology or cultural heritage.  Heritage books may document the history of a region, subject or culture; serve as instructional manuals in fields related to preservation; or contribute to the general understanding of Maryland's heritage.

Click here for a list of past recipients of Heritage Book Awards

Educational Excellence Awards

Educational Excellence Awards are presented to individuals, organizations or agencies for projects, programs, curricula, exhibits and related materials that directly serve to educate the public about any aspect of Maryland’s heritage.  Eligible materials can include, but are not limited to, outstanding videotapes, public archaeological digs, creative training programs, innovative museum exhibits, informational brochures and technical briefs.

Click here for a list of past recipients of Educational Excellence Awards

Stewardship of Historic Properties by a Government Agency

Awards for the Stewardship of Historic Properties by a Government Agency are presented annually to a municipal, county, State, or Federal government or an agency thereof in recognition of a demonstrated commitment to preserve historically significant buildings, sites, structures, and objects under their ownership or direct care.  The intent of this award is to acknowledge the significant role that government agencies play in the preservation of historically significant properties throughout Maryland and to reward those agencies who carry out that role with excellence.  Recipients have a demonstrated record of sound research and planning, and a commitment to quality workmanship in the maintenance and rehabilitation projects they have undertaken. 

Click here for a list of past Stewardship of Historic Properties by a Government Agency recipients

Stewardship of MHT Easement Properties

Stewardship Awards recognize outstanding effort and intent toward the maintenance and preservation of Maryland Historical Trust easement properties.  Awards will be given to the steward of the property, usually the owner and/or occupant, for their dedication to and appreciation of the easement as a preservation tool.

Click here for a list of past recipients of Stewardship Awards