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State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Awards

OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY FOUNDATION

Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

June 1, 2026

55 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Awards

Overview: Annual recognition awards presented by the Ohio History Connection's State Historic Preservation Office to acknowledge outstanding achievements in historic preservation in Ohio.

Program Status: Established program with annual awards (mentioned as 34th annual luncheon in 2015; awards documented through 2020).

Geographic Scope: Ohio statewide

Award Categories: Two award categories

Public Education and Awareness Award

Purpose: For increasing interest in historic preservation and substantially increasing public understanding and awareness at the local, regional, or state level.

Eligible Activities:

  • Media coverage and newsletters

  • Publications and original research

  • Interpretation and educational programs

  • Special events and campaigns

  • Walking tours and community engagement

  • Exhibits and public awareness initiatives
  • Preservation Merit Award

    Purpose: For preserving Ohio's prehistory, history, architecture, or culture through direct preservation actions.

    Eligible Activities:

  • Restoring, rehabilitating, or otherwise preserving important buildings or sites

  • Longtime stewardship of properties

  • Promoting protective legislation

  • Funding preservation projects

  • Offering leadership, support, or service

  • Furthering preservation at local, regional, or state level

  • Archaeological investigation and documentation

  • Adaptive reuse projects
  • Eligibility:

  • People (individuals)

  • Organizations and non-profits

  • Businesses

  • Public agencies (city, county, state government)

  • Educational institutions

  • Community groups and associations
  • Selection Process:

  • Selection committee comprises members of the governor-appointed Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board and State Historic Preservation Office staff

  • Awards presented at annual State Historic Preservation Office Awards luncheon (typically in fall)
  • Contact Information:

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Phone: 614.297.2300 or 800.686.6124

  • Address: 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
  • How to Apply

    Nomination Process

    How to Nominate:
    1. Download the awards nomination form from the Ohio History Connection website
    2. Complete the electronic nomination form
    3. Submit electronically

    Deadline: June 1 annually

    Required Information:

  • Detailed description of the achievement or project

  • Explanation of why the nominee deserves recognition

  • Contact information for the nominee

  • Documentation supporting the nomination

  • Category selection (Public Education and Awareness OR Preservation Merit)
  • Submission Method: Electronic submission required

    Questions: Contact the State Historic Preservation Office at [email protected]

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    historyhumanities

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