Each year, Historic Landmarks Foundation recognizes outstanding achievements related to preservation. We are proud to highlight the efforts of individuals and groups who save and celebrate historic places.
The Sandi Servaas Memorial Award
Expanded criteria in 2010! Beginning in 2010—Historic Landmarks’ 50th anniversary—we’re expanding the award’s scope from public awareness programs to recognize outstanding achievement across the broad spectrum of historic preservation. Activities—individually or in combination—that might warrant a nomination include (but not limited to): measurable success in saving or protecting historic places; staging events that raised preservation awareness; educational programs that made a difference.
The Sandi Servaas Memorial Award typically recognizes achievement in three categories (the selection committee may elect to present fewer than three awards): nonprofit organization, public institution, or public agency; individual or corporation; teacher, school program, or youth-serving agency.
The judges look for a compelling narrative that conveys how the nonprofit organization’s work has benefitted its neighborhood, town or place, and documentation that substantiates the record of success. We welcome self nominations.
One-time opportunity! Prizes typically include $2,000 to the winning nonprofit organization and $1,000 each to the winners in the individual/corporate and youth-serving categories, along with an original Servaas Memorial Award sculpture, “No Doors to Lock out the Past,” by Indiana artist John McNaughton. However, to celebrate our milestone anniversary and because we set such store in fostering preservation at the local level, Historic Landmarks will present a single Servaas Award in 2010, with a $5,000 cash prize, to a nonprofit organization for “lifetime achievement” in advancing preservation in its community. Download a PDF of the 2010 nomination form.
John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation
Historic Landmarks Foundation presents the John Arnold Rural Preservation Award to recognize the preservation and continued use of historic farming-related buildings. The award is named in memory of John Arnold (1955-1991), a Rush County farmer who combined progressive architectural practices with a deep respect for the natural and historic components of rural landscapes, including the farm owned by his family since 1820.
Historic Landmarks presents the Arnold Award each year on Farmer's Day at the Indiana State Fair. The award winner receives a pass to the fair, overnight accommodations in Indianapolis, plus a handsome outdoor marker featuring a logo designed by Indiana artist Ray Day. Download a PDF of the 2010 nomination form.
Regional awards for preservation
Each year, Historic Landmarks Foundation’s regional offices recognize projects that exemplify preservation and stewardship of historic places. These projects can include continued use of historic structures, outstanding restorations, adaptive use of historic properties, and more. Winners receive custom-designed framed awards presented during our annual regional moveable feasts. If you know a project you believe deserves accolades, contact the regional office nearest you.