Preservation Commission Opens Nominations for Cultural Heritage Awards Program

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, the Preservation Commission is sponsoring the third annual citywide Cultural Heritage Awards Program. The Cultural Heritage Awards celebrate a wider perspective on historic preservation, which, in addition to built heritage, includes living heritage, the arts, intangible cultural heritage, and less tangible stories and histories. 

The commission is seeking award nominations for Evanston-focused individuals or groups who embody, safeguard, or advance significant themes within the broader field of historic preservation and heritage conservation, including:

• Research
• Education and Advocacy
• Equity
• Design
• Climate Resilience and Stewardship
• Art

More information about these themes can be found on the nomination form.

Award categories

Awards and additional honors were given in each category last year, including:

• Cultural Ambassador Award: Recognizing highly influential individuals, groups, or organizations whose exemplary work demonstrates exceptional dedication and impact in the preservation and enhancement of Evanston’s cultural heritage.
• Outstanding Individual Achievement: Acknowledging individuals who have demonstrated a significant commitment or contribution to Evanston’s cultural heritage through their work.
• Outstanding Group Achievement: Honoring groups, organizations, or partnerships that have made notable contributions to the preservation and promotion of Evanston’s cultural heritage.

Nomination process

Nominations are now open and can be submitted by filling out the nomination form. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, August 28. Please submit your completed nomination form and supplemental information in a compiled PDF format with additional videos or other supporting media to Preservation Planner Cade Sterling at csterling@cityofevanston.org.

The Cultural Heritage Awards Program reinforces the commission’s commitment to recognizing and honoring outstanding contributions to Evanston’s cultural heritage.

For more information about the Cultural Heritage Awards Program, call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, community members may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.