Fifteen outstanding projects and historic preservation achievements will be recognized at the 33rd annual State Historic Preservation Office Awards Luncheon. You are invited to attend the luncheon and learn more about these achievements as we honor this year’s recipients. The 2014 awards will be presented on Saturday, October 18, from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Ohio History Center in Columbus. A guided tour highlighting the brutalist architecture of the center will be given by architectural historian and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for Inventory and Registration, Barbara Powers. The luncheon will commence at noon. Registration is $30. Click here to register. The 2014 State Historic Preservation Office Awards recipients are: Public Education and Awareness Laura Henderson for her efforts to raise awareness of the value and benefits of historic preservation as a member of the Historic and Architectural Preservation Commission in Oxford ARTneo, Trinity Cathedral and Cleveland Public Library for the exhibit Charles F.  Schweinfurth: Uncompromising Architect of Clevelands Valiant Age Hancock Historical Museum for the Hancock County Historic Barn Tour Preservation Merit American Veterans Heritage Center and the Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center for preservation of the Grotto at the Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center PlayhouseSquare, Great Lakes Theater Festival and Westlake Reed Leskosky for the preservation and rehabilitation of the Hanna Theater at 2067 East 14th Street in Cleveland Mitchells Homemade Ice Cream and Dimit Architects for rehabilitation of the 1919 Rialto Theatre at 1867 West 25th Street in Cleveland Arc of Appalachia Preserve System, The Archaeological Conservancy, Heartland Earthworks Conservancy, Rivers Unlimited and Hopewell Culture National Historical Park for the acquisition and preservation of the Junction Group Earthworks in Ross County Dave LaRoe for the long-term preservation of the Kerr Dry Goods Building as LaRoes Restaurant at 24138 Front Street in Grand Rapids Friends of Goodale Park, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Rogers Krajnak Architects, Quality Masonry and smARTworks for restoration of the 1870 Goodale Park Gates Oberlin College and Westlake Reed Leskosky for the preservation and rehabilitation of the 1913 Apollo Theatre at 19 East College Street in Oberlin City of Athens, Jones-Stucky, Limited, Michael Baker, Inc. and Shelly & Sands, Inc. for preservation and rehabilitation of the Richland Avenue Bridge in Athens Fort Jennings Memorial Association for the preservation and rehabilitation of Jennings Memorial Hall at 364 Water Street in Fort Jennings St. Lukes Church, Midstate Contractors and NRC Engineering for the preservation and rehabilitation of the 1837 St. Lukes Church at 107 East Broadway in Granville Village of Evendale and the Evendale Cultural Arts Center for the preservation and rehabilitation of Evendale School at 10600 Reading Road in Evendale as the Evendale Cultural Arts Center Ralph and Patricia Alexander for the preservation and rehabilitation of the John T. Wilson Homestead at 92 Old State Route 32 in Peebles Each year, the Ohio History Connection, State Historic Preservation Office recognizes achievements in historic preservation by presenting awards in two categories: Public Education and Awareness, and Preservation Merit. The Public Education and Awareness Award is for increasing interest in historic preservation. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, media, newsletters, publications, interpretation, original research, educational programs, and special events which have substantially increased public understanding and awareness of historic preservation at the local, regional, or state level. The Preservation Merit Award is for preserving Ohio’s prehistory, history, architecture, or culture. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, restoring, rehabilitating, or otherwise preserving an important building or site, longtime stewardship of a property, promoting protective legislation, funding preservation projects, offering leadership, support, or service, and furthering preservation at the local, regional, or state level. For questions, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at 614-298-2000.