Recognizing Local Preservation
HFFI acknowledges the individuals and groups that have made exceptional contributions to Historic Preservation in the Fredericksburg region.
Learn about Fredericksburg’s Award Winning Preservation
The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.’s Preservation Awards program has proven to be an effective tool in promoting broader awareness and appreciation for the value of preservation. It highlights the social and economic benefits, and encourages responsible stewardship of the Rappahannock region’s unique historic places and resources. Presented during HFFI’s Annual Membership Meeting, the awards recognize individuals or groups for notable contributions made to preservation during the previous year and/or over the course of a lifetime. Recipients are honored for a wide variety of contributions, including, for example:
- Projects demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship
- Restoration, rehabilitation, and/or adaptive reuse of historic structures and landscapes
- Sensitive new construction
- Innovative efforts in the areas of advocacy, outreach, and education
For a person that has gone above and beyond in Fredericksburg Area preservation and education
A. Blanton Massey
For serving the city of Fredericksburg and preserving some of its lesser-known stories and places, especially those associated with the DeBaptise Family.
For a person that has gone above and beyond in Fredericksburg Area preservation and education
Hamilton Palmer
For decades of support for historic preservation in the community and rehabilitation of significant historic resources in downtown Fredericksburg.
Presented to a business that has created a ripple effect of economic vitality in the community by adaptive reuse of their historic building.
1315 Charles Street
Betty Westerlund & Naomi Hoehn, Owners
Town & County Elite Real Estate
For the rehabilitation and preservation of the circa-1900 historic house of Joseph Robinson in a 19th century Black neighborhood.
For a person, business, or organization that has gone above and beyond in Fredericksburg Area preservation and education, framed certificate.
Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia & University of Mary Washington Special Collections Library
For the preservation, digitization, and dissemination of the historic Mutual Assurance Society of Virginia policies.
For an artist or artisan involved in historic preservation.
Chris Whitman
For his careful work to preserve, repair, and restore the sandstone quoins of the Lewis Store.
For such work by a person or organization.
Michael G. Spencer
For his dedication to professional excellence in the field of historic preservation in the City of Fredericksburg and beyond.
Publicly recognizes notable preservation achievements made by groups or individuals during the previous year that contribute to the protection, understanding, appreciation, and revitalization of the Fredericksburg region’s history and historic resources.
Originally known as the Preservation Achievement Award, the name was changed in 1988 to honor the late E. Boyd Graves; a founding member of HFFI, for his many years of service to local preservation and the instrumental role he played in the protection, restoration, and adaptive reuse of some of Fredericksburg’s most recognizable historic landmarks, including, most notably, the Silversmith House (813 Sophia Street) in 1962.
Jarrell Properties, LLC
For careful restoration of the historic Goolrick’s Pharmacy sign at 901 Caroline Street.
240-242 Charles Street
James Scully, Owner
For the substantial rehabilitation and safe upgrading of the c. 1835 historic duplex on lower Charles Street.
507 Caroline Street
Jewels Jarrell Stover, Owner
For the historic tax-credit rehabilitation of the circa-1821 dwelling at 507 Caroline Street.
Click here for more information on nominating a property for an HFFI Preservation Award.
Awards Archive
Dr. Edward Alvey, Jr. Education Award
- John Hennessy – For his dedication to researching, writing, and sharing local history and the advancement of historic preservation in the Fredericksburg area
Lillian D. Reed Volunteer Award
- Roger Engels – For his work as the longest-serving member of HFFI’s Marker Committee
President’s Exceptional Service Award
- Terrie James – For eight years of unfettered service and dedication to HFFI
The Pillars of the Community Award
- Dr. John Willhide (1937-2025) –For notable contributions to HFFI and the City of Fredericksburg as an important leader in historic preservation.
President’s Special Recognition Award
- Victoria Matthews – For her personal vision and perseverance in establishing the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail
- Chris Williams – For his support and assistance establishing the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail.
Preservation Spark Award
- Benjamin T. Pitts Trust, Property Owners and Rappahannock Restoration, Contractor – For notable, sympathetic improvements to 103-105 Amelia Street
- Historic Smithfield-Brooke Foundation – For the organization’s dedication to the preservation of the historic Smithfield mansion, local history, and support for historic preservation in our community.
E. Boyd Graves Preservation Award of Excellence
Publicly recognizes notable preservation achievements made by groups or individuals during the previous year that contribute to the protection, understanding, appreciation, and revitalization of the Fredericksburg region’s history and historic resources. Originally known as the Preservation Achievement Award, the name was changed in 1988 to honor the late E. Boyd Graves; a founding member of HFFI, for his many years of service to local preservation and the instrumental role he played in the protection, restoration, and adaptive reuse of some of Fredericksburg’s most recognizable historic landmarks, including, most notably, the Silversmith House (813 Sophia Street) in 1962.
President’s Exceptional Service Award
Presented to an individual, group, organization, or agency that demonstrates notable leadership and initiative in support of preservation in the Fredericksburg area during the previous year.
Executive Director’s Special Recognition Award
Recognizes individuals for long, faithful, and dedicated service to HFFI and the cause of preservation in the Fredericksburg area.
Lifetime Preservation Achievement and Service Awards
Others awards, including the Pillars of the Community Award, President’s Award, and the Executive Director’s Special Recognition Award, honor individuals and groups for notable lifetime accomplishments and dedicated service to historic preservation.
The Pillars of the Community Award
Presented in memoriam to individuals in recognition of their lifetime commitment and notable contributions to historic preservation in the Fredericksburg area.
Dr. Edward Alvey, Jr., Education Award
Recognizes significant contributions made by individuals or organizations to the advancement of preservation-related education. It honors Dr. Edward Alvey, Jr. (1902–1999), a former Dean (1934–1967) and Professor of Education (1967–1971) at Mary Washington College, and a past president and honorary director of HFFI.
Preservation Spark Award
Presented to a business that has created a ripple effect of economic vitality in the community by adaptive reuse of their historic building.
Susan Ford Johnson Historic Preservation Award in Honor of Prince B. Woodard
Given to a graduating senior at the University of Mary Washington who has demonstrated superior academic achievement and made significant contributions to preservation efforts in the Fredericksburg area.