Individual, Groups Honored With Harford County Preservation Awards

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The Harford County Historic Preservation Commission has honored an individual and projects with awards presented biennially in May in honor of National Historic Preservation Month.

This year, in addition to the awards, special certificates were presented to the owners of historic sites that participated in the Bush Declaration 250th Anniversary Passport Tour.

The following awards were presented for 2025:

• Preservationist Honor Award – James E. Chrismer – A passionate historian, educator and advocate for historic preservation, especially dedicated to sharing previously untold stories of Harford County.
• Preservation Project Award – Aberdeen B&O Train Station, Phase II – Complete restoration of the station’s exterior to its 1885 appearance.
• Special Preservation Award for Communication – The Liriodendron Foundation Museum Project – Design and installation of new interior and exterior exhibits on the history of the Kelly family and Liriodendron Mansion.
• Special Preservation Award for Education – Ma & Pa Engine No. 6 Statue and Historic Markers – Installation of a two-sided statue of a steam locomotive and two historic markers sharing railroad history with users of the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail.
• Special Preservation Award for Community Involvement – Harford 250 Commemoration – Bringing together nonprofit organizations, businesses, government agencies and individuals to celebrate Harford County’s 250th anniversary.
• Local Government Award – Town of Bel Air: Bel Air 150 Committee – Planning and executing public events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bel Air’s incorporation.

“As a descendant of two signers of the Bush Declaration, I have a special appreciation for preserving Harford’s history,” Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly said. “I would like to thank the Historic Preservation Commission, our staff in planning and zoning and the Historical Society of Harford County for continuing their good stewardship of our past. Thanks also and congratulations to this year’s awardees. Together we’re keeping Harford’s history alive for future generations.”