Each year, under the auspices of the Burlington County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, the County Historian participates in the selection of people, places and things which contribute to the preservation of the rich history of Burlington County. The awards are presented during the month of May, National Historic Preservation Month. There are several categories of awards and residents of Burlington County are invited to submit nominations for these awards.

From the cobbled streets of Colonial Burlington City to the farmsteads surrounding Mount Holly to the bog iron furnaces of the Pine Barrens, Burlington County has a rich history that spans over three centuries. The exploration and understanding of history is essential to understanding the people, places and events that make Burlington County the place it is today. In an effort to encourage the stewardship of the history of Burlington County, the Burlington County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs annually seeks nominations for its countywide History Recognition Program. The program recognizes county residents, organizations and municipalities who have taken steps to explore, record and reveal history, as well as those who have proven to be remarkable leaders and educators in the field of history. This program will be administered in conjunction with the Historic Preservation Recognition Program.

The Burlington County History Recognition Committee, established by the Cultural and Heritage Affairs Programs Advisory Board, will review nominations and make recommendations for awards to the Board of Chosen Freeholders. Each winner and honorable mention will receive a commemorative plaque and certificate. This program is administered by Burlington County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

GROUP ONE: HISTORIC PRESERVATION RECOGNITION PROGRAM

A. Preservation or Restoration Project - Preservation is defined as the act or process of sustaining the existing form, integrity and materials of an historic property.

Restoration is defined as the act or process of accurately depicting the form, feature and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time.

This category recognizes the successful preservation or restoration of a property for its original use, or a museum use. Projects must have been fully completed to be considered and must be well maintained to be nominated. Possible nominations include: house, store, church, town hall, industrial complex, etc.

B. Continuing Use - This category is designed to recognize a local business that has made good maintenance and historically sensitive alterations (if any alterations at all) to its building as an ongoing part of its business practice. Nominated buildings illustrate that historic preservation is good for the individuals business owner and good for the economic vitality of its community. These businesses are typically a long-standing, recognizable part of the community main street and help to establish the value of the local business owner in the community. Private homes and churches are not eligible under this category. Possible nominations include: store, diner, barber shop, bank, factory, etc.

C. Adaptive Use/Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural or architectural values.

This category recognizes the rehabilitation of a building or complex for a changed uses which maintaining the original architectural integrity of the building. Interior changes may be acceptable;.the building's exterior should closely resemble its original appearance. Possible nominations include: residence converted to professional offices; factory converted to restaurant, etc.

D. Public structure/object/site - This category recognizes the preservation of a public structure, object, or site to highlight historic preservation efforts of non-building sites. Possible nominationsinclude: bridge, monument, canal, public park or garden, clock, etc.

E. Preservation Planning/Preservation Education - This category is designed to recognize local efforts in the creation of local historic districts, historical surveys, inventories and planning projects affecting cultural resources. This category also recognizes efforts made to further the field and practice of historic preservation in Burlington County. Education awards might recognize grade school or university courses, local government educational programs, non-profit educational programs, and applicable web sites, among other possible educational programs.

F. Archival Records/Documentation - This category is designed to recognize publicly or privately generated records which have been preserved and made available for public use. The award might recognize a local archival effort, the creation of a Historic Structures Report for a significant local building, or other possible project in historic documentation.

G. Preservation Leadership - This category is designed to recognize individuals, groups, organizations and governmental agencies for outstanding leadership which has directly contributed to the preservation of historic buildings, structures and sites within the county.

Click here for doc. version of 2013 Application Form for Preservation Awards

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GROUP TWO: HISTORY RECOGNITION PROGRAM

A. Published History - This award category recognizes published works on county history and includes books, brochures and web sites.

B. Achievement and Leadership - This award category recognizes individuals or organizations who have made a significant contribution to the stewardship, promotion and dedication to the history of the county. Please note that a maximum of two awards will be given annually for this category and nominations are welcome in following years should the number of qualified nominations exceed the awards on any given year.

C. Education - This award category recognizes excellence and innovation in educational programs dedicated to the history of the county. In addition to grade school and university educational programs, this category might also include the recognition of museums, after-school programs, art and performance programs, etc.

D. "New" History - This award category recognizes efforts in expanding the scope of Burlington County history by highlighting new approaches and perspectives to the understanding of the county's past. This category might, for example, recognize efforts towards the understanding of historical issues relating to gender, culture, industry, civil rights, agriculture, etc.

Note: 2011 Nomination Forms are now posted. Deadline for submission is March 31, 2011.

Click here for doc. version of 2013 Application Form for History Recognition Awards

("doc." version is in WORD and allows you to type directly onto the form)

Click here for pdf. version of 2013 Application Form for History Recognition Awards

Adobe Acrobat Reader required for pdf. Download for free here

SUMMARIES OF SELECTED PAST AWARDS:

2011 Preservation Awards

2005 Preservation Awards

1. Medford Historic Advisory Board: for the publication of A Self-Guided Tour of 63 of Medford's Historic Sites, a 65-page booklet with text, illustrations, maps, a glossary and anindex. Intended to increase appreciation of Medford's past and the need for fruture preservation, this Published History was the first of its kind about Medford history. Copies have been donated to every 4th grade child in Medford and Medford Lakes.

2. Mr. John Edge of Beverly was recognized in the category of New History for his research which resulted in his collected work, The Post Towns of Burlington County, New Jersey. This is a history of the County's postal facilities from 1797 to 2002. The collection is a result of many years of research and includes illustrations of actual letters posted from these places; town illustrations; collateral material; lists of postmasters and brief historical outlines of the towns and villages. The history is unique for Burlington County and will no doubt be of interest to all historically minded people.

3. For the past 20 years, the Southampton Historical Society has sponsored the annual Vincentown Walking Tour for 3rd grade children. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this educational field trip, the society has received the award in the category of Education. Nearly 200 students and 8 to 10 teachers, from Southampton and Tabernacle schools, participate very May in this event. Accepting the award on behalf of the Southampton Historical Society war Dorothy Best, Southampton Township Historian, and Carolyn Budd.