2015 Excellence Awards Recognize Community Contributions in Historic
Preservation and Cultural Heritage
Lowell, Massachusetts. Lowell National Historical Park and the Lowell Heritage Partnership are pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Community Excellence Awards in the fields of historic preservation and cultural heritage. For nine years, the Park and Partnership have recognized contributions to the city of Lowell in the realms of preservation and heritage as part of National Preservation Month. These two award categories represent the important nature of the Park’s dual mission to “preserve and interpret the nationally significant historical and cultural sites" in Lowell. This year, award winners will be celebrated at the Park’s annual reception, which also marks the kick-off for Doors Open Lowell 2015, on Thursday, May 14, at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum.
Celeste Bernardo, superintendent of Lowell National Historical Park, said "we invite the community to join us to recognize the special heroes in the cultural and revitalization efforts that are so important to the National Park and our city." Lowell Heritage Partnership president Paul Marion added, “When we recognize extraordinary persons, businesses, and organizations for preserving and celebrating our heritage, we are saying we value these efforts. Our history is what makes us special."
This year’s award recipients include:
Excellence in Historic Preservation
Whistler House Museum of Art, as an advocate for history, creativity, and sustainability, for their continued strategic approach to preservation and stewardship of the Whistler House, especially the recent kitchen restoration and modernization.
Excellence in Cultural Heritage
Dr. Patricia Fontaine, for collaboration with Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust on developing student engagement at the preserved Hawk Valley Farm and for collaboration with University of Massachusetts at Lowell on the Cambodian community Story Corps project and telling the stories of Cambodia Town with the Lowell: A City of Refugees, a Community of Citizens exhibit.
Roger Brunelle, for over thirty years of scholarship, research, and public programming to share perspectives on Jack Kerouac, his French-Canadian roots, and his literary legacy, and for his charter membership and continued engagement with the annual Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Festival.
Student Excellence in Cultural Heritage
Youth Connections, a partnership of the First Parish Church of Groton and the International Institute of New England, Lowell Office, for their multicultural outreach and exchange programs sharing student refugee experiences with and among local youth. The signature event for Youth Connections is the annual “Global Heart" gathering, where youth have the opportunity to make cross-cultural connections by sharing dance, music, food, art, and stories.
Award recipients will be acknowledged during the park reception and kick-off for Doors Open Lowell 2015 on Thursday, May 14, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John Street. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to David Byers at david_byers@nps.gov or call 978-275-1705.
For more information about Doors Open Lowell 2015 and a schedule for open sites and special tours, visit www.DoorsOpenLowell.org. For information on the Lowell Heritage Partnership, visit www.LowellHeritagePartnership.org. For more information about programs and offerings at Lowell National Historical Park, please explore this website using the menu at left or call 978-970-5000.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
