33rd Historic Preservation Award Winners-2026

Please join us in congratulating the Rockland County Executive's Historic Preservation Merit Award Recipients for 2026:

• Lawrence Kigler, Historian, Town of Clarkstown
  Margaret B. and John R. Zehner Award for Historic Contribution: For contributions to the county's history, and for underscoring the value of historic preservation to the community
• Shatemuc Chapter, NSDAR
  Preservation Leadership Award for individuals, groups, and government agencies that display outstanding leadership or continuing contribution to the preservation of historic resources in Rockland County.
  
• Friends of Harmony Hall
  Preservation/Restoration Award for the Veranda at the Jacob Sloat House, Sloatsburg
• Columbus State University-Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians
  Rehabilitation Award for the Front Walkway and Front Facade at the Carson McCullers Center, Nyack
• Town of  Clarkstown and Tilcon NY
  Rescue Award for Storms Tavern, Valley Cottage

History of the Rockland County Executive's Historic Preservation Merit Awards Program

Since 1991, the Historical Society of Rockland County has presented nearly 100 awards to public agencies, private individuals, community-based and religious organizations in recognition of their preservation efforts in the County. The Committee also supports continued, critical action to help save Rockland County's environmentally sensitive areas and endangered architecture. Instituted to preserve the rich historical heritage of the County, the annual program celebrates each May with a declaration of "Rockland County Preservation Week" by the County Executive, a festive country supper and awards ceremony.
 
With a rapidly growing population of newcomers to the area, one challenge has been to help the public understand the value of preservation as well as being involved in their community. Addressing this challenge, the HSRC’s Preservation Awards program has:

• Awarded preservation efforts of individuals and groups
• Increased awareness of our historic resources
• Helped local communities to recapture history and pride of place
• Advocated for the purchase of endangered sites for the public good
• Attempted to unite all five townships in the support of historic preservation

All of the awards made by the Society in 2024 underline the positive effects of preservation on the community. The awards, made by the Committee for preservation efforts on homes, businesses and structures both modest and grand, help to get out the word that it is in everyone's interest to restore and retain the richness of the past. The process is self-fulfilling, and it helps to unify and inspire a community. 

For more information on the award process or to find out how to attend the Annual Dinner and award presentations, contact the Historical Society of Rockland County at (845) 634-9629 or info@rocklandhistory.org.