Home Chairman's Award for Federal Achievement in Historic Preservation

Introduction
Eligibility
Timeframe
Criteria
Nomination Requirements
Nominations
Selection Process
Contact Information

Introduction
The Chairman's Award for Federal Achievement in Historic Preservation recognizes Federal projects, programs, initiatives, and policy leaders or career staff that make significant contributions to historic preservation in the Federal Government. Formal recognition by ACHP's Chairman celebrates Federal preservation successes and provides a means for the ACHP to honor and showcase Federal accomplishments and best practices.

Eligibility
Any Federal agency, official, or employee is eligible to receive a Chairman's Award.

Timeframe
The Chairman's Award is conferred periodically and is not tied to a specific award cycle. Although it can be presented at any time, at any place, it usually is presented at ACHP business meetings, which are held four times a year.

Criteria
Nominated projects, programs, initiatives, and persons should meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Exemplary program, policy, or project resulting in rehabilitation and active use of one or more historic resources;

• Outstanding leadership in Federal historic preservation public policy, or on issues of importance to historic preservation policy;

• Exemplary stewardship, treatment, and/or use of one or more historic resources;

• Significant contribution to economic development, community revitalization, heritage tourism, or other public benefit through preservation activities or programs; and

• Noteworthy achievement in meeting the goals of the Preserve America initiative, which include:
  • a greater shared knowledge about the Nation's past;

  • strengthened regional identities and local pride;

  • increased local participation in preserving the country's irreplaceable heritage, including both cultural and natural resources; and

  • support for the economic health and well-being of our communities.

  Additional information about Preserve America can be found at www.preserveamerica.gov.

Projects must be completed—and programs, initiatives, and relevant policies must be substantially implemented—before a nomination is submitted. Nominated projects must have been completed in the last three years.

Nomination Requirements
All nomination materials must include the following:

• A completed nomination form [available for download in Word or PDF]

• A brief description (no more than 800 words) of the project, program, initiative, or individual achievement that is being nominated, including:
  • An explanation of the significance of any historic resources involved in the nomination.

  • If applicable, the status of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

  • If the nomination involves a project, program, or initiative, an explanation of the challenges met; any unique strategies or approaches undertaken; the impact of the project, program, or initiative; and how it could be a model for other agencies.

  • If other agencies or organizations made significant contributions to the success of a project, program, initiative, or policy, a description of their contributions. List agency/organization name and contact person, with address and phone number.

  • If the nominee is an individual, a description of his or her preservation accomplishments, leadership role (if applicable), and contribution(s) to preservation policy.

• Photos and, if applicable, maps and site plans. Photos should illustrate various aspects and phases of the nominated project, program, or initiative: affected historic resources; before and after; exterior and interior, if applicable; and people carrying out the initiative or project or program activities. When a person is nominated, images would include at least one head shot and photos illustrating the work or policy benefits for which the person is being nominated.

Nominations may also include:

• Up to seven supporting brochures or news clippings;

• Up to three letters of recommendation; and

• A listing of any awards already received, if any.

Nominations
Nominations may be submitted to the ACHP for consideration at any time. All nomination materials should be submitted together in a single package. All nomination material will be retained by ACHP.

Selection Process
After staff review for fulfillment of criteria, nominations will be juried by members of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Final selection of award recipients will be made by the ACHP's Chairman. Applicants will be notified of results within four to five months of the ACHP's receipt of the completed nomination, and those selected to receive a Chairman's Award will be invited to an award presentation.

Contact Information
Questions regarding the nomination process may be directed to Patricia Knoll at pknoll@achp.gov or 202-606-1385.

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