We received the following: DEP Recognizes Outstanding Historic Preservation Efforts at the 13th Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony TRENTON - The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Historic Preservation and the New Jersey Historic Sites Council today recognized the steadfast efforts of nine individuals and groups working to preserve the state's valuable historic resources. From the restoration of a 200-year old Mill Village in Monmouth County to a site associated with the Underground Railroad located in Camden County, this year's award recipients tell success stories of how historic preservation prevails through time and captures important components of New Jersey's past. "Historic preservation efforts throughout the state have saved and enhanced many of the irreplaceable features that help shape and define the truly distinct characteristics of New Jersey's communities," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "This year's award recipients are models for historic preservation in New Jersey and their efforts contribute to the lives of all state residents and beyond." For the past 13 years, the DEP and the Historic Sites Council have recognized outstanding contributions to historic preservation in New Jersey. The criteria for the awards broadly recognize people, organizations, community effort, initiatives, and projects that set high standards for achievement. The New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards Program is held annually during National Preservation Week to increase public awareness of historic preservation; recognize projects of excellent quality and contributions by individuals, organizations and agencies; and acknowledge volunteer contributions to preserve historic resources. Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1971, this year's National Historic Preservation week celebrates "Cities, Suburbs, and Countryside." This year's award recipients include: Grace Episcopal Church, Phase I, Restoration (Plainfield City, Union County) The Vestry and members of the Church received an award for the phase 1 restoration of the 1892 church. The work included repair and replacement of the roof and drainage system as well as extensive masonry and exterior restoration. Peter Mott House Restoration (Lawnside Borough, Camden County) The Lawnside Historical Society received an award for their efforts to restore this significant site associated with Black History and the Underground Railroad in New Jersey. Federal Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project (Camden, Camden County) The NJ Department of Transportation was recognized for their extraordinary efforts to rehabilitate this significant single leaf bascule bridge. This 1906 bridge is one of the most significant movable span bridges in the state. "Digging New Jersey's Past, Historical Archaeology in the Garden State" by Richard Veit Author Richard Veit was recognized for his scholarly work aiding the general public to better understand the intricacies of archaeological investigation in the Garden State. Veit is an Assistant Professor of History and Anthropology and a member of the graduate faculty in history in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University. Rutgers University Press also received an award as publisher. Fort Mott, Restoration of the Range Finder Tower (Pennsville Township, Salem County) The DEP, Division of Parks & Forestry received an award for the extensive restoration of the Southern Range Tower at Fort Mott State Park. The restored tower affords the public a unique opportunity to view and better understand this significant historic coastal fortification. "City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Design Standards" (Cape May, Cape May County) The City of Cape May's Governing Body and Historic Preservation Commission received an award for the creation of a well illustrated and user friendly publication to aid the community in preserving this National Historic Landmark City for future generations to enjoy. French Huguenot Cemetery Preservation Project (New Milford Borough, Bergen County) Girl Scout Troop 52 received this award for their hard work and dedication in cleaning up one of the oldest cemeteries in Bergen County. They stand as models to the youth in our state, sparking interest in local history as well as instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment within the community. Restoration of Historic Walnford (Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County) The Monmouth County Park System received an award for the restoration of this former Mill Village located along the Crosswicks Creek. The monumental restoration effort included restoration of the Waln's mill, house, carriage house, cow barn and associated outbuildings. The restored complex aids in our understanding of evolution of the site over five generations from colonial mill to 20th century rural retreat. Wyckoff-Garretson House Historic Structures Report (Franklin Township, Somerset County) The Meadows Foundation, Inc. received an award for undertaking an exemplary Historic Structures Report that will serve as a roadmap for future preservation of this Dutch farm house work. The House retains a great deal of its 18th and early 19-century fabric and will serve as a center to interpret Dutch culture in Somerset County. Back to 2ndQuarter 2003 List of News Items Back to Master List of News Items Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 2003 by Coalition Web, Inc. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. 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