Harford County Historic Preservation Awards Presented At Special Ceremony May 20

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The Harford County Historic Preservation Commission presented its 2023 Harford County Historic Preservation Awards at a special ceremony May 20.

These awards, which are presented biennially in May in honor of National Historic Preservation Month, recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the protection of the county’s historic and cultural resources.

“Harford County has a rich history that we must continue to preserve for future generations,” Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “To this year’s winners, congratulations and thanks for helping us keep local history alive.”

The following awards were presented for 2023:

• Preservation Project Award – Gladden Farm – In recognition of the rehabilitation and construction of sensitive additions to the manor house at Gladden Farm;
• Special Preservation Award for Communication – Harford Civil Rights Project – In recognition of the development of a smartphone application, website, and tours to document and interpret the history of the campaign for racial equality in Harford County;
• Special Preservation Award for Community Involvement – Ma and Pa Railroad Trolley – In recognition of Ben and Barbara Lowe’s work to bring together historians, artists and model train enthusiasts to interpret the history of the Ma and Pa Railroad;
• Special Preservation Award for Education – Dr. George T. Stansbury Memorial Exhibition – In recognition of Thurl Brenda Snell’s exhibit celebrating the life of Dr. Stansbury, a local physician and prominent member of Harford County’s African American community in the mid-20th Century;
• Local Government Award – Angela L. Hoover, P.E., Harford County Parks and Recreation – In recognition of her leadership and dedication to the stabilization of the Emily Bayless Graham Park Manor House;
• Preservationist Honor Award – C. Bernard Bodt – In recognition of his years of research, documentation, and interpretation of the history of the County’s bygone canning and ice harvesting industries.