Montana Historical Society To Honor Statewide Preservation Efforts

• May 08 2025

On May 16, three individuals and two properties will be honored at the biennial Montana Historic Preservation Awards at the Myrna Loy Theater in Helena.

Hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office of the Montana Historical Society, the award recipients include:

• Gary Smith, retired Bureau of Land Management Deputy Preservation Officer (Outstanding Service to Historic Preservation)
• Joan Brownell, Historian (Outstanding Service to Historic Preservation)
• Kevin Kooistra, Former Executive Director of the Western Heritage Center (Outstanding Contribution to Historic Preservation; John N. DeHaas Memorial Award)
• The Crowley Block in Lewistown (Outstanding Preservation Rehabilitation Project)
• The Dion Block in Glendive (Outstanding Preservation Rehabilitation Project; Montana Historic Preservation Governor’s Award)

In addition to the awards, certificates will be presented to the owners of 25 properties from 18 different counties listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2023 and 2024. Outgoing members of the Governor-appointed State Preservation Review Board will also be recognized and include Patti Casne of Helena, Jeff Shelden of Lewistown, Nick Kujawa of Missoula, Frank LaLiberty of Cascade, and Marcella Sherfy of Helena.

“Montana’s diverse history and abundant historic places fascinate not only Montanans but serve as an important tourist draw to those intrigued by our state’s history,” Montana National Register Coordinator John Boughton said. “This ceremony represents an opportunity to recognize these special historic places and those who contributed to historic preservation.”

The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on May 16 at the Myrna Loy Theater (15 North Ewing Street) in Helena. The event is free and open to the public, and all with an interest in Montana history are encouraged to attend. A reception will follow the event and feature light hors d’oeuvres.

For additional information: https://mths.mt.gov/Shpo/celebrate-preservation or contact Melissa Munson (melissa.munson@mt.gov or 406-444-7715) or John Boughton (jboughton@mt.gov or 406-444-3647).

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