Mayor Walsh announces new citizen preservation award

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a new Citizen Preservation Award in recognition of the indispensable role volunteers play in preserving Boston's cultural heritage and historic resources. The first two recipients of the award will be honored tonight at the Boston Landmarks Commission's (BLC) Preservation Month kickoff event.

"I applaud the public participation by volunteer commissioners, board members, and community advocates that is necessary to preserve Boston's historic places and resources," said Mayor Walsh. "I encourage all residents to get involved and explore Boston's incredible history."

The first recipients of the new Citizen Preservation Award are Charles Deknatel for his unwavering volunteer service and support of the City's Archaeology program and Rob Dinsmore for his update of more than 660 survey forms of Charlestown. Local historical commissions, preservation advocates and professionals, and the general public are encouraged to nominate individuals from outside the professional disciplines of Historic Preservation, Archaeology, Landscape Design or Architecture that have shown outstanding dedication to the preservation of the City of Boston's historic resources. Those interested can contact BLC staff by email at BLC@boston.gov.

The recipients will be presented with their awards tonight at the BLC's Preservation Month kickoff event at the Old State House at 6:00 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Bostonian Society and features a conversation with preservation planner Lynn Smiledge called 'So How About That CITGO Sign?' highlighting some of her recent experiences as the BLC's Chair.

"This year's awardees were the inspiration for what will become an annual celebration of the individual contributions that help keep Boston, Boston," said Executive Director of the BLC Rosanne Foley. "We're excited to redefine what it means to preserve and protect our City."

In addition to the awards and kickoff event, the BLC is sharing events for Boston residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the month. The events celebrate historic places, promote heritage tourism, show the social and economic benefits of historic preservation, and are either free or low-cost to the public. The BLC is also offering free posters that celebrate Boston's Landmarks and historic places to download and print.

Established in 1975 to identify and protect Boston's historic buildings, structures, areas and sites, the BLC is the City's preservation planning agency. It preserves Boston's historic buildings, places, and neighborhoods through protective designation and design review. There are over 8,000 properties located today within the city's nine local Historic Districts or designated as individual Boston Landmarks by the BLC. For more on the BLC, visit boston.gov. 

In addition, view the calendar of events and free printable posters online.