- October 20, 2026
- Kelly C. Ruffel
TRENTON, NJ – Preservation New Jersey is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards. The annual awards recognize exceptional individuals, organizations, commissions, and projects that demonstrate outstanding commitment to preserving the state’s historic buildings, cultural landscapes, and diverse heritage.
Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey advances historic preservation through advocacy, education, and public awareness. The New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards are among the organization’s signature annual programs, celebrating the people and partnerships whose work strengthens communities, protects irreplaceable historic resources, and ensures that New Jersey’s history remains an important part of its future.
The 2026 award recipients represent a broad range of preservation accomplishments, from the rehabilitation of historic civic and community buildings to innovative heritage tourism initiatives, preservation planning, scholarship, and decades of professional leadership. Together, these achievements demonstrate the vital role historic preservation plays in community revitalization, cultural understanding, and the stewardship of New Jersey’s built environment.
“This year’s award recipients demonstrate that historic preservation is about much more than protecting buildings. It is about strengthening communities, sharing stories, and ensuring that the places that define New Jersey’s identity remain meaningful and accessible to future generations,” said Paul Muir, President of Preservation New Jersey’s Board of Trustees. “From major restoration projects to innovative educational initiatives and exceptional individual leadership, the 2026 honorees represent the dedication and collaboration that make preservation possible throughout our state.”
Preservation New Jersey will recognize this year’s recipients during its 2026 New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony, bringing together preservation professionals, community advocates, public officials, historians, and supporters from across the state. The annual celebration provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding preservation achievements while highlighting the continued importance of investing in New Jersey’s historic places.
Event Date: November 17, 2026
Location: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Perth Amboy
Tickets and Event Information: www.preservationnj.org/programs
Proceeds from the event will support Preservation New Jersey’s statewide educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and its signature 10 Most Endangered Historic Places program, which raises awareness of threatened historic resources and encourages community-driven preservation solutions.
2026 NEW JERSEY HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD RECIPIENTS
Constance Greiff Writing Award – Laramie Potts
Recognizing outstanding contributions to the documentation, interpretation, and communication of New Jersey’s historic and architectural heritage through writing and scholarship.
David H. Knights New Preservation Initiatives Award – Historical Association of Woodbridge Township
Honoring innovative preservation initiatives that advance public understanding, community participation, and the protection of local historic resources.
Dr. Doris C. Carpenter Excellence Award – Atlantic City Black Cultural Heritage Tour
Recognizing an exceptional initiative that celebrates and interprets African American history and cultural heritage, expanding public awareness of the people, places, and experiences that have shaped Atlantic City’s identity.
Historic Preservation Commission Award – Paulsboro Historic Preservation Commission
Recognizing outstanding municipal preservation leadership and the important role local historic preservation commissions play in identifying, protecting, and advocating for historic resources.
Preservation Document Award – Maplewood’s Historic Preservation Element
Honoring excellence in preservation planning and documentation that supports informed decision-making, long-term stewardship, and the integration of historic preservation into community planning.
Preservation Project Award – Rehabilitation of the East Trenton Library Community Center
Recognizing the rehabilitation of a historic community resource and the important role preservation can play in supporting neighborhood revitalization, civic engagement, and the continued use of historic buildings.
Preservation Project Award– Passaic County Historic Court House Exterior Restoration
Recognizing the restoration of a significant historic civic landmark and the commitment to preserving the architectural character and historic integrity of one of Passaic County’s important public buildings.
Preservation Project Award – Essex County Parks Administration Building Restoration
Honoring the restoration of a historic public building associated with Essex County’s park system and recognizing the importance of preserving the architectural heritage of New Jersey’s public parks and civic landscapes.
Sarah P. Fiske Legacy & Leadership Award – Michael Mills
Recognizing exceptional leadership, professional achievement, and longstanding dedication to historic preservation in New Jersey. This award honors individuals whose careers and contributions have made a lasting impact on the preservation movement.
Young Preservationist Award – Samuel Loos
Recognizing an emerging preservation advocate whose dedication, initiative, and enthusiasm demonstrate the importance of engaging the next generation in protecting and interpreting historic places.
Honorable Mention – Markus McParland
In recognition of exceptional dedication to documenting and preserving Kingston’s history through extensive archival research
CELEBRATING NEW JERSEY’S PRESERVATION COMMUNITY
The New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations whose efforts demonstrate the value of historic preservation as a tool for community investment, education, sustainability, and cultural stewardship.
This year’s recipients reflect the diversity of New Jersey’s historic resources and the many ways preservation contributes to the vitality of communities across the state. Through thoughtful rehabilitation, preservation planning, heritage interpretation, and public advocacy, the 2026 honorees are helping ensure that New Jersey’s historic places remain active, relevant, and valued.
Preservation New Jersey invites the public, preservation advocates, community leaders, and supporters to join in celebrating the 2026 award recipients and the collective achievements of New Jersey’s historic preservation community.
For additional information about the 2026 New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.preservationnj.org or contact info@preservationnj.org.
Sponsorships: https://preservationnj.org/product/award-sponsorship-packages/
Tickets: https://preservationnj.org/event/2026-new-jersey-historic-preservation-awards/
About Preservation New Jersey
Founded in 1978, Preservation New Jersey is a statewide member-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting New Jersey’s historic places. Through advocacy, education, and public awareness, PNJ works with individuals, organizations, and communities to preserve the buildings, landscapes, and cultural resources that tell New Jersey’s story. Its programs include the annual 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey, educational workshops, statewide preservation advocacy, and the New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards.
