POMFRET, Md. — The Charles County Historic Preservation Commission held its Historic Preservation Awards at the Pleasant Hill House on June 23, 2024, celebrating notable contributions to preserving the region's rich history. The ceremony recognized winners in two categories: Preservation Service and Preservation Projects.
The Historic Preservation Awards aim to honor individuals, businesses, organizations, or projects that have significantly contributed to historic preservation in Charles County. The Preservation Service Award acknowledges efforts in education, research, development, planning, advocacy, and community leadership, while the Preservation Project Award celebrates excellence in preserving and restoring historic buildings, incorporating architectural features in new constructions, and adaptively reusing historic structures.
This year, the Charles County Archaeological Society of Maryland, Inc., received the first Preservation Service Award for its 15 years of dedication to archaeological projects and educational efforts in Charles County. A second award in this category went to Lucille Ward Walker for her pivotal role in establishing the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area, which includes Charles County as a significant part of this newly designated region.
The Preservation Project Award was given to a team that successfully preserved and restored a mid-19th-century corn house initially located on the Dyson Farm in White Plains. The structure was moved to Rich Hill in Bel Alton, preventing its demolition. The project involved Rachel Cohen and Ram Adar, the original owners; Tim Lessner of Lorenzi, Dodds, and Gunnill; Expert House Movers of Sharpstown, Maryland; S.D. Lohr, Inc., which conducted the restoration work; students from the Ancient Studies Department at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, who assisted with the archaeological study; and the Friends of Rich Hill, who will interpret the corn house in its new setting.
In addition to these awards, plaques were presented to three properties recently granted County Landmark status by the Charles County Commissioners. These properties are the St. Nicholas Creek Burial Ground in Benedict, the Twiford Store in Marbury, and the Joseph C. Parks House in Bryans Road. The St. Nicholas Creek Burial Ground is the final resting place for 23 enslaved individuals from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Twiford Store was a central community hub in the early 20th century, and the Joseph C. Parks House was the residence of J.C. Parks, the superintendent of the Charles County Colored Schools from 1919 to 1961.
The Historic Preservation Commission, established by the Charles County Commissioners in 2009, plays a crucial role in recommending properties for local historic landmark designation, reviewing changes to designated landmarks, and supporting the documentation of historic resources across the county.
For additional information about the Historic Preservation Commission or the awards, contact Esther Doyle Read at ReadE@Charlescountymd.gov or Cal Carpenter at CarpentC@Charlescountymd.gov.
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