Biennial Montana Historic Preservation Awards

Three individuals and two properties will be honored at the biennial Montana Historic Preservation Awards.
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.”