2025 John C. Frye Historic Preservation Awards
2025 - Adaptive Reuse
2025 - Hershey-Schooley Advocacy
2025 - Hershey-Schooley Advocacy
Updegraff Building. Hagerstown, MD
Tony & Hank Brown -
Blackthorn Capital Partners
In 1882, the Updegraff family constructed the building to manufacture and sell hats and gloves. Blackthorn Capital Partners purchased the building in 2022 and renovated it into high-end apartments and first-floor retail space. There are 21 high-end resid
Updegraff Building. Hagerstown, MD
Tony & Hank Brown -
Blackthorn Capital Partners
In 1882, the Updegraff family constructed the building to manufacture and sell hats and gloves. Blackthorn Capital Partners purchased the building in 2022 and renovated it into high-end apartments and first-floor retail space. There are 21 high-end residential units on the upper floors with vintage and modern touches. On the first floor, Baile Cask & Kettle contains a bagel shop in the front and a pub in the back. This renovation has significantly contributed to the redevelopment of historic downtown Hagerstown.
2025 - Hershey-Schooley Advocacy
2025 - Hershey-Schooley Advocacy
2025 - Hershey-Schooley Advocacy
National Road Heritage Foundation
Boonsboro, MD
Richard Keesecker - Heidi Glafelter Schlag
Janeen Solberg - Cindy Kauffman - Tom Riford
Bob Savitt - Reuben Moss
The Foundation installed exhibits in a former hardware store and in the original Trolley Station to promote the history of the Historic National Road and the Historic Hagerstown & Fre
National Road Heritage Foundation
Boonsboro, MD
Richard Keesecker - Heidi Glafelter Schlag
Janeen Solberg - Cindy Kauffman - Tom Riford
Bob Savitt - Reuben Moss
The Foundation installed exhibits in a former hardware store and in the original Trolley Station to promote the history of the Historic National Road and the Historic Hagerstown & Frederick Railway. Through the museum’s efforts, visitors learn about the people and towns that sprang up along the macadamized road from east to west. The two museums cover different yet connected parts of central Maryland’s rich transportation history.
2025 - Adaptive Reuse
2025 - Adaptive Reuse
2025 - Adaptive Reuse
Port 44
Williamsport, MD
Selena Wilkes - Jesse Burgoon - Susie Miller Brenda Paul - Lettie Wilkes
Port 44, a local, woman-owned business based in Williamsport, focuses on preserving historic buildings in the town center through adaptive reuse. Their efforts have helped rebuild Williamsport’s historic downtown and beautify several notable buildings.
2025 - Preservation
2025 - Adaptive Reuse
2025 - Adaptive Reuse
Douglas G. Bast Museum of
History and Preservation, Inc.
Boonsboro, MD
113 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD
Charles Schwalbe - Harriet Pryor
LuAnne Itnyre - Carl Snook
Vernell Doyle - Amy Gibson
The late Doug Bast started the Boonsborough Museum of History in 1975 and never stopped collecting artifacts of historical significance locally and aro
Douglas G. Bast Museum of
History and Preservation, Inc.
Boonsboro, MD
113 N. Main Street, Boonsboro, MD
Charles Schwalbe - Harriet Pryor
LuAnne Itnyre - Carl Snook
Vernell Doyle - Amy Gibson
The late Doug Bast started the Boonsborough Museum of History in 1975 and never stopped collecting artifacts of historical significance locally and around the globe. This group of dedicated individuals successfully sorted, categorized, and preserved this vital treasure trove of local historical documents and artifacts. Their efforts have made this invaluable historic collection available to the public.
2024 John C. Frye Historic Preservation Awards
2024 - Preservation
2024 - Advocacy/Adaptive Reuse
2024 - Advocacy/Adaptive Reuse
The Spielman Farm, Williamsport, MD.
James and Linda Clements
Sometimes called the Hogmire-Berryman Farm, or the Spielman-Hogmire Farm, this historic farm complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Inclusion on the National Register does not always guarantee excellence in restoration or preservation. Not until 20
The Spielman Farm, Williamsport, MD.
James and Linda Clements
Sometimes called the Hogmire-Berryman Farm, or the Spielman-Hogmire Farm, this historic farm complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Inclusion on the National Register does not always guarantee excellence in restoration or preservation. Not until 2014, when Jim and Linda Clements purchased the farm, did the property begin to transform under their meticulous restoration efforts. In the past ten years they completely restored the late 18th century house along with the barn, slave quarters, and root cellar with fabulous results.
2024 - Advocacy/Adaptive Reuse
2024 - Advocacy/Adaptive Reuse
2024 - Advocacy/Adaptive Reuse
Ritchie History Museum - Ritchie Revival
Cascade, MD
John Krumpotich
The Federal government closed Fort Ritchie in 1998 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process. After several failed attempts by private entities to develop the property, it was sold to John Krumpotich in the spring of 2021. John undertook the monumental task of dev
Ritchie History Museum - Ritchie Revival
Cascade, MD
John Krumpotich
The Federal government closed Fort Ritchie in 1998 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process. After several failed attempts by private entities to develop the property, it was sold to John Krumpotich in the spring of 2021. John undertook the monumental task of developing the decommissioned army base while preserving its historic buildings. In 2023, he opened the Ritchie History Museum to exhibit and interpret the powerful story of the fort's history and its contribution to Maryland and American military history.
2024 - Adaptive Reuse
2024 - Advocacy/Adaptive Reuse
2024 - Adaptive Reuse
Lehman's Mill,
Hagerstown, MD
Ronald & Cindy Brezler
Ron and Cindy Brezler purchased the circa 1870 historic Lehman's Mill and adjacent farmhouse in 1996. They tastefully converted the mill into an upscale country decor and furnishings gift shop while retaining the historic character of the interior and exterior. Most recently, they have ch
Lehman's Mill,
Hagerstown, MD
Ronald & Cindy Brezler
Ron and Cindy Brezler purchased the circa 1870 historic Lehman's Mill and adjacent farmhouse in 1996. They tastefully converted the mill into an upscale country decor and furnishings gift shop while retaining the historic character of the interior and exterior. Most recently, they have changed the business to an upscale consignment shop. They have restored the adjacent farmhouse as their residence. Recognition of this carefully restored and lovingly maintained historic property is long overdue.
2023 John C. Frye Historic Preservation Awards
2023 - Preservation
2023 - Preservation
2023 - Preservation
The Conococheague Banking House, circa 1814
Williamsport, Maryland
Thomas Freeman and Benjamin Tinsley
The Conococheague Banking House has stood on the south side of Salisbury Street in Williamsport for over two hundred years. This two-story Federal-style six-bay Flemish bond brick house is massive compared to other period structures in t
The Conococheague Banking House, circa 1814
Williamsport, Maryland
Thomas Freeman and Benjamin Tinsley
The Conococheague Banking House has stood on the south side of Salisbury Street in Williamsport for over two hundred years. This two-story Federal-style six-bay Flemish bond brick house is massive compared to other period structures in the town. It stands 60 feet wide, 40 feet deep, with a two-story 20’ x 17’ servants’ wing to the rear and a late 19th-century second-floor glass conservatory. Early 19th-century Banking-Houses are very rare, with only four known surviving examples. This mansion was constructed by some of the area’s wealthiest plantation owners, designed to impress and inspire confidence in young America’s emerging banks. Entering the home, a grand entry hall with a beautiful Georgian/Federal Style staircase rises continuously for three floors. The first floor ceilings are nearly thirteen-feet high with massive crown moldings, and over eleven feet tall on the second. Intricate Federal mantelpieces with hints of Adams styling decorate the ten fireplaces. Williamsport is exceptionally fortunate to have retained one of these extremely rare buildings. Williamsport is even more fortunate that this mansion came to the attention of Tom Freeman and Ben Tinsley. In July 2021, these men recognized a treasure compromised by years of deterioration and undertook a restoration project that few would have considered. The outcome is beyond compare. Extensive research, thoughtful planning, and modernization with careful attention to historical detail resulted in the restoration and preservation of one of Washington County’s finest treasures.
2023 - Advocacy
2023 - Preservation
2023 - Preservation
Ed Beeler
Sharpsburg Town Archivist
On October 17, 2017, a museum was created that advocated and inspired a desire to know more about the history of Sharpsburg. Given the depth of those instrumental in the founding and growth of Sharpsburg, it took a person with dedication and focus to see the project through to fruition. Town Councilman E
Ed Beeler
Sharpsburg Town Archivist
On October 17, 2017, a museum was created that advocated and inspired a desire to know more about the history of Sharpsburg. Given the depth of those instrumental in the founding and growth of Sharpsburg, it took a person with dedication and focus to see the project through to fruition. Town Councilman Ed Beeler, the founder of the Sharpsburg Museum of History, had the desire, enthusiasm, knowledge, and drive to achieve this goal. Thanks to Ed’s efforts, this museum will continue to draw attention to the history of the town of Sharpsburg for current and future residents and visitors.
2023 - Preservation
2023 - Preservation
2023 - Preservation
Hill House, 1870
Locust Grove Road, Rohrersville, MD
Scott Shearer
Originally a story-and-a-half log cabin built in 1870, with a later second-story addition, this derelict, abandoned early south Washington County farmstead also has a summer kitchen, smokehouse, barn, shed, and outhouse. Scott Shearer purchased the property nearly sight unse
Hill House, 1870
Locust Grove Road, Rohrersville, MD
Scott Shearer
Originally a story-and-a-half log cabin built in 1870, with a later second-story addition, this derelict, abandoned early south Washington County farmstead also has a summer kitchen, smokehouse, barn, shed, and outhouse. Scott Shearer purchased the property nearly sight unseen. What began as a small idea of perhaps saving the charming early log structure quickly evolved as layers of neglect were peeled away to reveal a solid log foundation in good condition. Extensive research revealed legends, secrets, and surprises about this early farmstead, transforming Scott’s original salvage project into one worthy of restoration. Washington County is truly fortunate that Scott recognized the historical value of this farmstead.
2022 John C. Frye Historic Preservation Awards
2022 - Adaptive Reuse
Mulberry Lofts
22 N. Mulberry Street, Hagerstown, MD
Aaron Peterancez, AIA, Founder & President of Design Method Group
Renovating the 100-year-old Southern Shoe factory into Mulberry Lofts, Aaron Peteranecz created 80,000 sq. ft. of contemporary, affordable rental space for over thirty businesses. This restoration project represents an investment of $3.5 million into downtown Hagerstown and is a winner for historic preservation.
2022 - Adaptive Reuse
Beaver Creek School Museum, 9702 Beaver Creek Rd, Hagerstown, MD
John Barr, Clear Spring, MD
A former student of the school, John Barr purchased the Beaver Creek Schoolhouse from the Washington County Historical Society in 2019. Functioning as a two-room school from 1904 until 1960, it now required extensive restoration and repairs. John Barr transformed this historic structure back to its original appearance. His outstanding efforts saved a part of Washington County History and created a unique school museum and meeting destination.
2022 - Advocacy
Jacques Garvin Hager (1926-2018)
Posthumously awarded, Jacques G. Hager dedicated his life supporting historic preservation in Washington County through teaching, philanthropy, and inspiring others to appreciate the value of local history. Many museums and historic sites have benefited from his financial support and advocacy.
2022 - Preservation
Smithsburg Tower
21 W. Water Street, Smithsburg, MD
Billie Boyer and Tyra Guyton, Smithsburg, MD
In 1893, one of Excelsior Hall’s most prominent features was its tall, slightly tapering, slate-shingle turret with windows on all sides offering spectacular views. Ninety years later, the tower was gone. In 2013, Billie Sue Boyer and Tyra Guyton leading the “Town Hall Tower Team,” set out to replace this key architectural element to a topless town hall. The team raised almost $50k for the designs, construction, and completion of a new, historically correct turret. Their efforts have brought dignity and architectural integrity to this historic symbol of the town.
2022 - Preservation
Jonathan Street Cabin 417 Jonathan Street, Hagerstown, MD
Western Maryland Community Development Corporation
Reggie Turner, Tereance Moore, Scott Guillory,
Mitchell Branch, Kenyatte Mason
The Western Maryland Community Development Corporation proudly stands by its mission to develop and implement creative community-based strategies to enhance economic opportunity, preserve and build strong neighborhoods, and ensure a dynamic framework for sustainable growth and development. These five individuals were instrumental in coordinating the sale, rehabilitation, and preservation of “The House on Jonathan Street.”
2022 - Preservation
Joel and Josh Merrbaugh
Allegany Wrecking & Salvage, Maugansville, MD
This father-son team was hired to demolish the small house at 417 Jonathan Street. Fortunately, these seasoned veterans halted demolition upon recognizing the historical significance of the cabin’s V-cut construction. Their contract was rewritten to strip the structure of its facade. A dendrochronology investigation by Preservation Maryland revealed that the frame is constructed with timbers felled between 1739 and 1741 in the vicinity of Hagerstown, possibly by Jonathan Hager. In the 1830s, the timbers were recycled from another structure to build the cabin.
2022 - Preservation
Valentia
18429 Poffenberger Rd, Hagerstown, MD
Mary Roulette and James Roderic Flowers, Salisbury, MD
This 1749 estate known as Valentia has been part of the Mary Roulette Flowers family since 1908. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, Mary and her husband Rod Flowers committed extensive hours of time and resources to restore and preserve the estate. The preservation community is thrilled one of the county’s finest mansions is blessed with such exemplary stewardship.
2019 John C. Frye Historic Preservation Awards
2019 Advocacy
2019 Adaptive Reuse
2019 Preservation
Advocacy Award
Judy Kern, Councilwoman, Keedysville, MD
For her outstanding efforts in the September 2018 celebration of Keedysville’s 250th Anniversary
2019 Preservation
2019 Adaptive Reuse
2019 Preservation
First Hose Fire Museum
33 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD
President Dave Stevens -
The First Hose Fire Co. of Hagerstown
One of oldest, active firehouses in Maryland, for their development and outstanding
progression in the creation of a
“Museum of Firefighting History.”
2019 Adaptive Reuse
2019 Adaptive Reuse
2019 Adaptive Reuse
The Barn at Springfield Farm,
12 Springfield Lane,
Williamsport, MD.
Since 1987, the Town of Williamsport has maintained this historic barn at Springfield Farm, where it houses the town museum. In more recent years, this historic barn has been adapted into one of the premier event centers in Washington County.