Applications now open for Historic Preservation Awards

Tennessee Historical Commission Accepting Applications for 2026 Merit Awards 

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Historical Commission is now accepting nominations for its Certificate of Merit Awards to honor individuals or groups that work to preserve Tennessee’s heritage. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2025.  

“For the past 51 years our awards program has honored those working to revitalize Tennessee’s historic places. The Merit Awards program also highlights people and organizations for the work  they do in the areas of publication and education regarding our State’s unique history and  heritage,” said Miranda Montgomery, State Historic Preservation Officer and Interim Executive  Director of the Tennessee Historical Commission. 

Certificates of Merit are presented annually to individuals and groups that have made significant  contributions to the study and preservation of Tennessee’s heritage during the 12 months prior to  the application deadline. The Tennessee Historical Commission Board will make their final  decisions on applications and will announce the recipients in May, during National Historic Preservation Month.  

Applications and Award Criteria can be found on the Tennessee Historical Commission’s  website. Completed applications may be submitted to Ask.THC@tn.gov. For questions  regarding the awards or application process, please contact Outreach Coordinator Caty Dirksen. 

The Tennessee Historical Commission is the State Historic Preservation Office. The agency’s offices are located at 2941 Lebanon Pike in Nashville. For more information, please visit our website.  

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