Nominate historic restorations that raise bar
Golden Key Awards return this year for Preservation Month
WESTMINSTER >> Historic preservation isn’t easy and the town has decided to once again start recognizing those efforts that set an example.
On Monday, the Westminster Historical Commission announced they will be reinstituting the Golden Key Awards program to celebrate Preservation Month, which will be held across the nation this year in May.
The Commission’s “Golden Key” Awards recognize significant restoration projects to buildings in the town of Westminster that have set good examples for historic preservation.
The Commission is looking for nominees in two categories, one for “Homes” and the other for “Public Buildings and/or Businesses.”
Nominees may have restored architectural details that have been faithful to the original design of the exterior of their home, or recreated new elements to enhance the beauty and original design of a building.
Because a number of years have passed since this program was in effect, they’ll be accepting nominations for projects up to 5 years old
Nomination forms — available at the Town Hall, Library, and Vincent’s Country Store — may be submitted by any resident of Westminster for either category, and homeowners or business owners may nominate their own restoration project.
Nomination forms should be sent to the Westminster Historical Commission at the Town Hall, by May 15, 2024 and the winners will be selected from the nomination forms received.
The Golden Key Awards will be presented by the Westminster Historical Commission at the Forbush Library on May 29 at 7 p.m.
Preservation Week is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation which is the nation’s leader in saving America’s historic environments. The Trust encourages every town and city to save irreplaceable landmarks that lend beauty and character to our communities.
The president of the National Trust said, “From coast to coast, preservation has made a difference in the appearance and livability of cities and towns off all sizes. Instead of being ignored or
smashed to rubble, historic places are now being recognized as valuable irreplaceable assets that can instill pride in residents, attract tourists, and stimulate new investment.”
The goal of the “Golden Key” Awards project is to raise the awareness of the architectural beauty of homes and buildings in our town that enhance the attractiveness of our town and significantly contribute to the quality of life in our neighborhoods.