Preservation Awards (Nominations)

Preservation Awards (Nominations) is a recognition program from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Preservation South Carolina, and the Office of the Governor that honors exceptional accomplishments in historic preservation across South Carolina.

Since 1995, the annual awards have recognized individuals and organizations for outstanding work in the preservation, rehabilitation, and interpretation of the state's architectural and cultural heritage. This is a non-monetary recognition award. Eligible nominees are individuals or organizations involved in historic preservation projects in South Carolina.

Nominations for 2026 are due May 1, 2026.

Preservation Awards | SC Department of Archives and History Each year thousands of South Carolinians work to preserve the state’s legacy that is reflected in our historic buildings, structures, and sites.

Since 1995, Preservation South Carolina, the SC Department of Archives and History, and the Office of the Governor have recognized exceptional accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitation and interpretation of our architectural and cultural heritage with a series of statewide awards.

2026 Historic Preservation Awards Call for Nominations - Deadline May 1, 2026 Historic Preservation Awards Master List, 1995-2025 (PDF) The Honor Awards celebrate successful and exemplary historic preservation projects around the Palmetto State. Up to five Honor Awards will be presented each year.

Any individual, organization, government agency or business involved in the preservation of historic buildings, structures, or sites, including archaeological sites, cemeteries and landscapes, in South Carolina is eligible to receive an Honor Award for a historic preservation project. Multiple partners in a project may be nominated, but may not exceed three.

The selection panel will consider the following: • Completion date (projects must have been completely finished, including all phases, within the last three years) • Project’s impact on the community and/or the state • Degree of difficulty of project • Degree to which project serves as an example of outstanding commitment to historic preservation and exemplary preservation techniques The Stewardship Awards recognize those who have ensured the ongoing preservation of historic buildings, structures or sites through long-term care, planning, management, protection, or continuous ownership.

Up to five Stewardship Awards will be presented each year. Any individual, family, organization, government agency or business involved in the long-term care and management of historic buildings, structures, or sites, including archaeological sites, cemeteries and landscapes, in South Carolina is eligible to receive a Stewardship Award.

The selection panel will consider the following: • Impact on the community and/or the state • Demonstrated pattern of ongoing planning and management activities that are sensitive to the historic character and prevent deterioration of the historic property(ies) • Degree to which the nominee serves as an outstanding example of long-term commitment to historic property stewardship Preservation Service Awards The Preservation Service Awards recognize projects and activities that make exemplary contributions to the advancement of historic preservation.

Eligible projects can include research, publications, education, advocacy, public policy initiatives, promotional activities, events, and funding programs. Up to five Preservation Service Awards will be presented each year. Any individual, organization, government agency or business involved in a project or effort to further the cause of historic preservation in South Carolina is eligible to receive a Preservation Service Award.

The selection panel will consider the following: • Completion date (projects must have been completed within the last five years) • Impact on the community and/or the state • Degree to which the activity or effort serves as an example of outstanding commitment to historic preservation and innovative preservation practices • Projects must involve historic buildings, structures, or sites including archaeological sites, cemeteries and landscapes Heritage Tourism Honor Award The Heritage Tourism Award recognizes those who best use South Carolina’s cultural and historic resources in the promotion and development of tourism or use tourism to directly benefit the preservation of our heritage.

Any individual, organization, government agency or business involved in a historic preservation project related to the tourism industry is eligible to receive the Heritage Tourism Award.

The selection panel will consider the following: • Project’s impact on tourism in South Carolina • Degree to which project serves as an example of outstanding commitment to historic preservation and exemplary preservation techniques • Projects must involve historic buildings, structures, or sites, including archaeological sites, cemeteries and landscapes Elected Official Honor Award The Elected Official Honor Award may be presented each year to an individual elected official in recognition of significant achievements or landmark efforts in the support of historic preservation in South Carolina.

Any elected official who has demonstrated a dedication to the preservation of South Carolina’s historic buildings, structures, or sites may receive the Elected Official Honor Award. The selection panel will consider the impact of the elected official’s work on historic preservation in a community and/or the state.

The Governor’s Award may be presented each year in recognition of an individual’s significant achievements or landmark efforts in the support of historic preservation in South Carolina. Any person who has demonstrated lifelong dedication to the preservation of South Carolina’s historic buildings, structures, or sites, whether involved in hands-on construction, planning, management or regulation, may receive the Governor’s Award.

The selection panel will consider the impact of an individual’s work on historic preservation in the community and/or the state.