Do you know someone who has made a remarkable contribution to preserving Springfield’s rich history? The City of Springfield invites you to honor these dedicated individuals and projects by submitting nominations for the 2024 Springfield Heritage Awards. Nominations are open until 5 p.m., July 1.
Nominations can be submitted online by visiting the Springfield Heritage Awards page. Find the nomination packets at Springfield Heritage Awards.
Presented by the Springfield Historic Commission and the Springfield History Museum, these awards recognize a broad array of stewardship activities that increase awareness, appreciation, and support an inclusive perspective of local heritage. There are two award categories:
- Preservation Excellence Award: Recognizes outstanding projects in historic preservation, research, and community outreach.
- History Maker Award: Honors individuals or entities demonstrating leadership in preserving and fostering appreciation for local heritage. Up to three awards per category may be presented each year.
“The awards program is a fantastic way to honor the innovative efforts of our community members who explore, study, and preserve Springfield’s rich history,” said Charlotte Helmer, Washburne Resident and Historic Commissioner. “By recognizing diverse heritage projects, we celebrate those making meaningful contributions today.”
Award recipients will be selected by Mayor Sean VanGordon, with input from a jury that includes representatives of the Historic Commission, the History Museum Committee, past award recipients, and members of the community. Anyone who wishes to serve on the Springfield Heritage Award jury or has questions is invited to contact Historic Commission Staff Liaison Tom Sievers at tsievers@springfield-or.gov or 541-726-2333.
Background
The Springfield Heritage Awards program was kicked off in 2022, with the presentation of two History Maker Awards and three Preservation Excellence Awards, handed out by Mayor Sean VanGordon at the September 19, 2022, City Council Meeting. An honorary recognition was also posthumously awarded to Bruce Berg, previous City Councilor and Chair of the Historic Commission who provided decades of service to the Springfield community and passed away on February 16, 2022. In 2023, the Mayor presented one award in each category at the September 5 City Council Meeting, and recipients were celebrated at the Springfield History Museum during the September 8 Art Walk and Block Party. Read more about the past recipients on the Springfield Heritage Awards webpage (https://springfield-or.gov/springfield-heritage-awards).
The Springfield History Museum, established in 1979, serves a mission to foster an awareness of the history of Springfield, provide a link between our past and present, and promote an appreciation of the diverse communities that call Springfield and rural east Lane County home. It is the City’s official historical repository and interpretive center. The museum collects and cares for stories and artifacts, creates thoughtful and engaging programs and exhibits, and encourages historical research and documentation.
Established in 1977, the Springfield Historic Commission serves to advance the identification, protection, preservation, education, and interpretation of Springfield’s cultural heritage and history. As such, the Historic Commission organizes projects and programs to encourage stewardship of the community’s historic assets.