The Coalition wishes to recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and understanding of Sarasota County’s prehistorical and historical resources. Besides honoring those who have devoted themselves to maintaining the integrity of our remaining architectural, archeological, and historical assets and educating the public to their importance, the Heritage Awards aim to raise the level of public support for governmental and citizen-based efforts to preserve our common past so future generations may learn from it.
2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS
2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Organizational Achievement: The Sarasota County Centennial 2021 Steering Committee
- Historical Collections Preservation: Alexandra Vargas-Minor, Archivist, Ringling College of Art and Design
- The Lillian Burns Award for Individual Achievement: Harry Klinkhamer, Historical Resources Manager, City of Venice
- Historical Research: Dr. Renee DiPilato, Director of Libraries and Historical Resources for Sarasota County
- (New Category) Public Leadership: Larry R. Humes, Venice Gondolier
- (New Category) Gregory A. and Eleana Najmy Hall Historic Structure Preservation Award:
Cunliff Residence, Brian and Katherine Leaver, 2525 Pleasant Place, Sarasota
Special Citation for Project of Merit
Vamo Drive Park, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department
Cottage at Point of Rocks, Donald and Terri Liebentritt, 7208 Point of Rock Road, Siesta Key
The Golden Host Resort and Bahi Tiki Hut, Bob Brown, 4674 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Paul Rudolph’s Umbrella House, Anne and Robert Essner, 1300 Westway Drive, Lido Key
LILLIAN BURNS INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT
Conferred upon an individual who has made profound contributions to the history and preservation movement in Sarasota County. Contributions may include scholarly research and publication, education, museology, history and preservation organizational leadership, and public advocacy for history and preservation. The Awards Committee will be most impressed with nominations that document sustained excellence and high achievement.
PAST AWARDEES
Betty Dailey Nugent (2020)
Julia Cousins Laning (2019)
Nathalie McCulloch (2019)
Betty Intagliata (2018)
ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSERVANCY
Recognizes outstanding efforts to preserve and document prehistoric sites and/or effective advocacy of archaeological conservation.
PAST AWARDEES
Friends of Little Salt Spring (2020)
Dr. Uzi Baram (2019)
Dr. George Luer (2017)
Dr. Steven Koski (2018)
ORGANIZATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Presented to a Sarasota County historical or preservation organization for outstanding success in historical preservation, historical education, and/or support of historical research. The Awards Committee welcomes nominations of organizations that have successfully completed a project or a series of projects that have had a significant impact on preserving and understanding Sarasota’s history.
PAST AWARDEES
Historical Society of Sarasota County (2020)
Lemon Bay Historical Society (2019)
Sarasota Architectural Foundation (2018)
Venice Main Street & Venice Heritage, Inc. (2017)
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION
Recognizes outstanding work in preserving, describing, and providing public access to historical collections located within Sarasota County. The award will be given to individuals or organizations that demonstrate the use of best practices in the field of archival management.
PAST AWARDEES
Julia Cousins Laning and Dale Laning Archives & Research Center (2020)
Deborah Walk (2018)
Michael Swain (2017)
HISTORIC STRUCTURE PRESERVATION
Recognizes and celebrates the best preservation projects in Sarasota County. Nominated projects must have been completed within the last five years of the submission deadline. Nominations are judged for their success in preservation, rehabilitation, and/or restoration of our architectural heritage in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior standards as well as the impact of the project on the community.
PAST AWARDEES
Sarasota Art Museum of the Ringling College of Art and Design (2020)
Howard W. Davis (2018)
HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Awarded for outstanding contributions through research and publication to increase knowledge of Sarasota County’s past.
PAST AWARDEES
Harold Bubil (2019)
Jeff Lahurd (2018)
Newtown Conservation Historic District (2017)