Annapolis, Maryland—Each year, Historic Annapolis, Inc. (HA) issues annual Preservation Awards to celebrate individuals, groups, or projects that exemplify dedication to historic preservation in Annapolis. This year, HA presented five awards at our Annual Meeting held at the Governor Calvert House to a standing-room only crowd, with a special keynote address presented by Donovan Rypkema, Principal and CEO of PlaceEconomics.
Old Treasury Building, Landmark Preservation Award: Atif T. Chaudhry, Maryland Secretary of the Department General Services, accepted the award on behalf of the State of Maryland, Maryland Historical Trust, and the project team for the successful restoration of this 1725-1737 building within State Circle, part of the larger ongoing effort to restore the State House exterior and grounds and to make the site more universally accessible.
Nannetta Hall, Excellence in Historical Interpretation Award: Historic Annapolis Education Coordinator Nannetta Hall was recognized for her portrayal of figures from local history, including Dr. Faye Allen and Harriet Tubman, as well as her dynamic work at HA through youth programs such as Mr. Paca’s Garden Storytime and our Annapolis Footprints after-school enrichment program.
Richard Hillman, Lifetime Achievement Award: Devoted son of Annapolis, stalwart advocate, and former mayor Richard Hillman was celebrated for his generous sharing of local history, including accumulating an astonishing record of 1,400 walking tours of the historic district for Watermark Tours as Squire Richard before his retirement last year.
Jane McWilliams, Annapolis History Award: Local historian Jane McWilliams was honored for the impact that her incredibly well researched book, Annapolis, City on the Severn: A History (2011) has had as a foundational resource documenting the lives and events of the city’s history. Jane’s record of our heritage and history has become a valuable reference for the history community for research, exhibitions, and heritage tourism experiences like the Museum of Historic Annapolis.
John Pantelides, Cultural Heritage Award: Eldest sibling of a culturally and politically influential Greek-American family, John Pantelides was saluted for his lifelong stewardship of cultural heritage, such as through his co-founding of the online cultural preservation resource, the Annapolis Greek Heritage Project, inspiring younger generations to learn about their heritage.
“HA is pleased to honor these awardees, who are deeply committed to the past, present, and future of Annapolis’s architecture, history, and people,” said President and CEO Karen Theimer Brown. “As we look ahead to our nation’s semiquincentennial, their vision, leadership, and dedication to the preservation of our history and culture is vital, and ensures the many stories of our past will resonate with generations to come.”
