Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission recently received an Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation Award in the education category from the state of Washington.

Dr. Allyson Brooks, historic preservation officer with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, presented the annual awards during a ceremony last week in Olympia.

The commission was honored for its success in reaching new and broader audiences regarding the importance of preserving heritage.

While the commission has long been disseminating information to the public, efforts in recent years have been increased and broadened. The commission has been working with local museums and heritage organizations to further goals about collaboration and partnership with like-minded stewards of local heritage. They also briefed local leaders on the region’s heritage community and how historic preservation is linked to larger governance issues.

“We wanted to do everything we could to expand historic preservation in Clark County,” said Robert Ted Hinds, commission chair.

The historic preservation awards recognize persons, organizations and projects that achieve distinction in the field of historic preservation. Award categories are barn rehabilitation, career achievement, cemetery preservation, education, media, planning, rehabilitation, special achievement and stewardship.

The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission raises awareness of the county’s historic and cultural resources and serves as the county’s primary resource on historic preservation. Commission members are appointed by the Clark County Council.

For more information, go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/historic-preservation.