45th Annual Heritage Preservation Awards
Released: May 8, 2023
Delaware County Councilman Kevin Madden and Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt were honored to join Heritage Commission Chair Barbara Marinelli and Vice Chair Karen Micka and members of preservation community at the 45th Annual Preservation Awards on Saturday, May 6, at the Redwood Community Center in Upland Park.
The Heritage Preservation awards, first held in 1978, highlight National Preservation Month each May, through the recognition of individuals and groups who are dedicated to preserving Delaware County’s landmarks along with our rich written and verbal history. The Heritage Commission’s mission is to oversee the diverse heritage of Delaware County and to support those organizations within the County that are promoting and preserving the County’s cultural legacy.
During the Awards Ceremony, County Councilman Madden presented a resolution recognizing May as Historic Preservation Month to the Commission and presented awards to attendees for projects in site preservation, publication, special projects, historic preservation planning, individual achievement, and legacy business.
The A. Richard Paul Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the longtime Heritage Commission chair who died in December 2020, was awarded to Bev Rorer, a longtime Delaware County resident whose many accomplishments include a successful effort to stop the auction of the Grange Estate in Haverford Township and countless contributions to historic conservation-minded endeavors throughout the County.
2023 Awards
Site Preservation (Residential Rehabilitation) Awards
Huston Homestead (John A. Mullen, Lindsey V. Mullen, Caramanico Brothers, BMK Concrete, Interiors by Tanyell)
Sharpless House (Mike Gaugler and Sharon Leonhard)
Site Preservation (Restoration) Awards
Restoration to Village Green Schoolhouse (Dave Kelso, Carol Cannon, Williamson College of the Trades, Aston Public Works, Mike Archer, Steve King, Keith Flikinger)
Restoration and Furnishing the 1739 Trimble House Kitchen and Pantry (The Newlin Grist Mill, The Winterthur Summer Institute, and Victorian Heritage, Inc.)
Publication Awards
Learning our History, Celebrating Our Future (Shawn Rush, Dr. Monica Taylor, Councilman Richard Womack, Marc Woolley, Lauren Footman)
Ridley Creek State Park 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the Park to Visitors August 1972 (Keith Lockhart and The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park)
Special Project Awards
Metal Detecting at the Thomas Leiper Estate (Kevin Connell)
ATHS Historic Art Collection Display (Artist Agnes Bakow, Historian John MacFarland, Technician Rick Kirkwood, Sheila Withelder, Aston Public Works)
Individual Achievement Awards
Larry Fischer
Pat Smith
Leedom B. Morrison Heritage Award
Chester's Ruth L. Bennett (Twyla Simpkins (YES Center); Christopher Mele)
Richard Paul Lifetime Achievement
Bev Rorer
Legacy Awards
Griffith Funeral Chapel, Inc (125 years)
Hedgerow Theatre Company (100 years)
About the Heritage Commission
Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, May is recognized as National Preservation Month. Throughout the month, local preservation groups, historical societies, and business and civic associations participate by holding events that promote the social and economic benefits of preserving historic places and celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country.
Thank you to the members of the Delaware County Planning Department, the Heritage Commission, local municipalities, historical societies, and individuals from the community who are dedicated to preserving and honoring the historic sites throughout our County.
