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Maryland Historical Trust

Maryland Preservation Awards

Facade of the Flower Theatre with an art deco design and a marquee displaying event information.

For over five decades, the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) has recognized outstanding preservation achievements across the state through the Maryland Preservation Awards. These awards honor individuals, organizations, and projects that protect and share Maryland’s rich architectural, archaeological, and cultural heritage.

About the awards 

Established in 1975, the Maryland Preservation Awards are the highest state-level awards for historic preservation, celebrated annually by MHT’s Board of Trustees. 

The Board presents awards to projects and people in four categories.

  • Leadership and service: Acknowledges individuals, organizations, or government agencies for exceptional contributions to preservation through leadership, advocacy or volunteer service.  
  • Education and community engagement: Honors initiatives that increase public awareness and appreciation of Maryland’s historic and cultural resources.  
  • Stewardship: Highlights long-term care and maintenance of historic properties or archaeological sites that exemplify best preservation practices.  
  • Project excellence: Recognizes outstanding restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse projects that demonstrate superior craftsmanship and adherence to preservation standards. 

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Nomination process 

Nominations typically open in January and close in February, with award recipients announced in May. 

Anyone may submit a nomination. Eligible nominees include individuals, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, and government agencies whose projects or activities have taken place in Maryland.

Nominations are submitted through MHT’s grants portal. 

Each nomination should include: 

  • A completed nomination form with a description of the project or individual’s work
  • Supporting materials such as photographs, plans, or news articles
  • Letters of support, if available
  • Contact information for both the nominator and nominee 

MHT staff review nominations and present recommendations to the Board of Trustees, which makes the final award selections. 

Awards presentation

Maryland Preservation Awards are presented in person at locations chosen by each awardee during Preservation Month in May. Each ceremony recognizes the work being honored and is livestreamed so people across the state can watch.

Award recipients 

Explore past awardees and their accomplishments or watch previous live-streams of the ceremonies.