Preserving Sarasota County’s history takes people willing to protect the places, stories and resources that connect the community to its past. Established in 2017 by the History and Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County, the Sarasota County Heritage Awards were created to recognize those efforts. The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP) now administers the awards on the coalition’s behalf and is accepting nominations for 2027.
Awards honor work in historic preservation, archaeology, historical research and other efforts to preserve Sarasota County’s past. Nominees may include individuals, organizations, students and professionals whose work has helped preserve, document or deepen understanding of Sarasota County’s history.
Nominations
must be submitted by Dec. 1 at PreserveSRQ.org/Nominate. Award recipients will be notified by Dec. 14, with the awards ceremony planned for spring 2027.
The 2027 Sarasota County Heritage Awards include:
· Gregory A. and Eleana Najmy Hall Adaptive Use and Historic Preservation Awards: Recognize outstanding historic preservation projects in Sarasota County, including rehabilitation, restoration and adaptive use of historic buildings.
· Lillian Burns Individual Achievement: Recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to Sarasota County history and preservation through research, education, organizational leadership, public advocacy or related work.
· Archaeological Conservancy: Recognizes outstanding efforts to preserve and document prehistoric sites or advocate for archaeological conservation.
· Historical Research: Honors outstanding research and publication that increase knowledge of Sarasota County’s past.
· Organizational Achievement: Recognizes a Sarasota County history or preservation organization for outstanding work in preservation, education or historical research.
· Historical Collections Preservation: Recognizes outstanding work preserving, describing and providing public access to historical collections in Sarasota County.
· Student Scholar: Recognizes student contributions to Sarasota County history, archaeology or preservation through research papers, exhibits, websites, documentaries or other projects.
· Builders/Developers: Recognizes builders and developers who incorporate historic preservation into their projects while balancing growth with respect for Sarasota County’s historic resources.
· Architects/Designers: Honors architects and designers whose work contributes to preserving Sarasota County’s prehistoric or historic environment.
· Skilled Trades & Craftsmen: Recognizes individuals and teams whose expertise in traditional trades and craftsmanship contributes to the preservation or restoration of Sarasota County’s historic resources.
For more information about Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, visit PreserveSrq.org.
Submitted by Su Byron
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Nominations open for Sarasota County Heritage Awards
