HACKENSACK—The Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards, honoring exceptional efforts in preserving the county’s vital, rich history.
Since the awards began in 1982, more than 300 honorees have been recognized for their achievements in historic preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse. These awards celebrate efforts by individuals, students, organizations, and businesses to preserve Bergen County’s valuable and irreplaceable historic sites, including buildings, houses, schools, houses of worship, and cemeteries.
The seven nomination categories are Historic Preservation: projects, education, and leadership; History: publication, education, and leadership; and Young Historian Award.
Criteria and the nomination form can be found on the Bergen County website at co.bergen.nj.us/cultural-historic-affairs/historic-preservation-awards.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 21. Winners will be honored at the 2025 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m.
The Historic Preservation Advisory Board awarded the following people/projects in 2024:
- History Education: Richard Capeless, “RVG Legacy: Preserving the Legacy of Rudy Van Gelder.”
- History Publication: Eric D. Johnson, Ph.D., “The Chaîne Opératoire of Settler Wampum Manufacture at the David Campbell House in Northern [Park Ridge] New Jersey” published in the International Journal of Historical Archaeology, May 2023
- Historic Preservation Project: 491 Grand Ave., Englewood. The former Nordhoff Firehouse/Englewood Firehouse No. 3, Wes Pierorazio, owner.
At the 2023 Bergen County Historic Preservation Awards, Westwood’s William J. Martin, A.I.A., served as the master of ceremonies, emphasizing the critical role of historic preservation in protecting the county’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Martin highlighted how preservation fosters community identity, enhances livability, supports economic growth, and addresses sustainability by adapting and reusing existing structures to reduce environmental impact.
He outlined four key criteria for identifying historically significant sites: distinctive architecture, significant historical events, association with notable figures, and unique design.
The event celebrated achievements such as the restoration of 57 Jefferson Ave. in Westwood and the Cole-Allaire-Boyd House, among others. The prestigious Claire Tholl Award for lifetime achievement was presented to Kevin B. Tremble for his contributions to Revolutionary War history awareness and volunteerism.
Asked his views on the county’s recognition program, Martin told Pascack Press on Jan. 30, “Bergen County is fortunate to have a county executive and Board of Commissioners deeply committed to historic preservation. The Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board plays a vital role, advising our elected officials, reviewing award nominations, and recognizing the outstanding efforts of individuals and building projects dedicated to preserving Bergen County’s rich architectural history.”
He said several buildings in Westwood have received Bergen County HPA awards over the past 25 years, including 84 Washington Ave., 99 Westwood Ave., 25 Boulevard, 403 Fairview Ave., and 57 Jefferson Ave.
He said the Bergen County Historic Preservation Advisory Board, chaired by architect Matthew Wolchko, A.I.A., continues to champion efforts that honor Bergen County’s history while promoting thoughtful and sustainable development.
For more information or to submit a nomination, contact Elaine Kiernan Gold, historic preservation specialist, at 201-336-7294 or egold@bergencountynj.gov.
The Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs is committed to fostering a thriving cultural environment, offering resources and programs that spotlight arts, history, and historic preservation throughout the region.