The Monmouth County Historical Commission’s Preservation Awards program was created to recognize peoples’ efforts in preservation and restoration of historic structures throughout the county. This Dutch-framed colonial house located in Colts Neck, which was originally built in 1720, was one of the winners in last year’s Preservation Awards. Courtesy Monmouth County Government 
By Stephen Appezzato
The Monmouth County Historical Commission recently announced it is accepting nominations for its 2023 Preservation Awards initiative.
The annual program was created to recognize individuals, organizations, businesses and even municipalities for their efforts to preserve historic structures in the county. Often, such time-consuming and costly preservation efforts can be overlooked, according to the commission. The goal of the Preservation Awards is to shed light on Monmouth County residents’ tireless efforts in historic preservation.
“It is important for Monmouth County to recognize those who work vigorously to preserve our local buildings of historical significance, which can be a costly undertaking,” County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry told The Two River Times. “Preserving historical buildings in Monmouth County connects us to our history and gives us a physical reminder of our rich heritage,” she added.
Burry, who is currently serving her sixth and final term as a county commissioner, is the government’s liaison to the Monmouth County Historical Commission.
Last year’s award recognitions included a Queen Anne Victorian house dating back to 1887 in Ocean Grove, a 303-year-old Dutch-framed Colonial house in Colts Neck and a barn and carriage house in Shrewsbury which dates to 1892.
To be eligible for consideration, submissions must adhere to a list of standards. Nominated structures must be at least 50 years old and be historically noteworthy. Additionally, each project should focus on the historic characteristics of the structure, showcasing its original elements and workmanship. Projects that have previously received a preservation grant from the county are ineligible for consideration.
“Monmouth County is proud of its rich history and looks forward to acknowledging a number of honorees for their difficult and time-consuming historical preservation projects,” Burry said in a release. “I am thrilled to work with the Historical Commission to continue protecting and restoring our history through the Preservation Awards program.”
Applications for the Preservation Awards can be found on the commission’s website. Applicants should explain how each project contributes to historic preservation in Monmouth County and must be mailed to the Monmouth County Historical Commission, located in the Hall of Records Annex, 2nd, Freehold, NJ 07728. The deadline for submissions is Apr. 7. Winners of this year’s Preservation Awards will be given a Certificate of Merit at the Public Awards Program, which is slated for June 5.
The Monmouth County Historical Commission was formed in 1988 to preserve the county’s rich heritage. The commission works toward this goal through numerous efforts and citizen involvement, including its History Regrant program, Weekend in Old Monmouth event, Historic Preservation Grant Program, Preservation Awards, and its essay contest, which encourages fifth-graders to visit historic sites and explore their value through writing.
More details on the preservation awards as well as the commission’s other preservation initiatives can be found at visitmonmouth.com.
The article originally appeared in the March 2 – 8, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
