Springfield Heritage Award winners to be recognized on September 5th at Council meeting

Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon will be handing out the 2nd Annual Springfield Heritage Awards during the regular Council meeting on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

The awards, developed in 2022 by the Springfield Historic Commission and the Springfield History Museum, recognize a broad array of stewardship activities that increase awareness, appreciation, and support an inclusive perspective of local heritage. There are two award categories. The “Preservation Excellence Award” celebrates outstanding projects of many types including historic preservation, historical research, and community outreach. The “History Maker Award” celebrates a person or entity that demonstrates leadership in shaping, preserving, and fostering appreciation of local heritage – past, present, and future. Up to three awards per category may be presented each year.

The awards will be presented during the Council’s Regular Meeting, at 7 pm on Tuesday, September 5. Full details are available in the September 5th Council meeting agenda packet.

Springfield Historic Commission and the Springfield History Museum are community partners that have collaborated to launch this new Springfield Heritage Awards program. Both groups are comprised of volunteers appointed by the City Council.

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.

For additional information, contact Community Development Division Senior Planner Tom Sievers, M.A. at 541.726.2333 or tsievers@springfield-or.gov.