State Historic Preservation Office Announces Preservation Excellence Awards

MONTPELIER, Vt. - The Vermont State Historic Preservation Office recently announced two awards for Preservation Excellence. The Townshend Historical Society and Townshend Select Board were honored for their preservation stewardship and ambitious rehabilitation efforts of the West Townshend Stone Arch Bridge. Curtains Without Borders was honored for its dedicated preservation of Vermont's historic painted theater scenery.

"We are exceptionally proud to celebrate the Town of Townshend and Curtains Without Borders for their dedication to preserving our cultural heritage," stated State Historic Preservation Officer Laura V. Trieschmann. "Their impactful work, preserving historic landmarks, educating the public, and sparking passion for our history through preservation, warrants recognition and provides a model for inspiration."

The Townshend Historical Society and Townshend Select Board completed a five-month restoration of the 114-year-old West Townshend Stone Arch Bridge, which suffered structural damage from heavy traffic and erosion. Led by Brian Post of Standing Stone LLC, a team of 20 professional masons rebuilt the 37-foot dry stone span -originally crafted in 1910 by self-taught local mason James Otis Follett. The restoration craftsmanship was documented via an on-site webcam to showcase the specialized masonry techniques.

The $800,000 effort was funded by local voters, individual donors, and grants from the National Park Service ( Save America's Treasures ), the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation , and the Preservation Trust of Vermont.

Since 1996, Curtains Without Borders has led the documentation and preservation of historic painted stage scenery. Under Director Chris Hadsel and Conservator MJ Davis, a project once expected to find 25 curtains grew into a statewide survey identifying 190 pieces created between 1890 and 1940. By 2018, the team cleaned and stabilized every curtain in Vermont, most of which are now displayed in their original community venues.

Recognized as one of America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this effort was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, Save America's Treasures grants, and the Vermont Legislature. Vermont's pioneering work in saving these remembrances of village life has since evolved into a national movement.

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About the Division for Historic Preservation

The Division for Historic Preservation, part of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DCHD), is dedicated to identifying, preserving, and interpreting historic resources on behalf of the citizens of the state and promoting them as significant components of our communities. DHCD works to support vibrant and resilient communities, promote safe and affordable housing for all, protect the state's historic resources, and improve the quality of life for Vermonters.

About the Agency of Commerce and Community Development

The mission of ACCD is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: The Department of Economic Development, the Department of Tourism and Marketing, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. For more information on ACCD please visit: https://accd.vermont.gov/.