LOCAL VOLUNTEER TEAM RECOGNIZED WITH STATE AWARD (Photo) - 10/02/26
The Historic Trust Docent Volunteers Receive Outstanding Preservation Education Award
Vancouver, WA—Volunteers at The Historic Trust, who work primarily as docents leading tours of historic buildings, were recently notified of winning the Outstanding Preservation Education Award from the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) as part of the 2026 State Historic Preservation Officer’s (SHPO) Awards.
“In 2025, the team contributed more than 3,000 hours leading tours and supporting programs at Providence Academy and Marshall House in Vancouver,” The Trust wrote in the nomination for the award. “Their work connects visitors with the histories of these important sites.”
"The Historic Trust is powered by an incredible group of staff and dedicated volunteers who make everything we do possible,” said Temple Lentz, President and CEO of The Historic Trust. “We don’t often get the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our volunteers, who do the important work of interpreting these properties’ history and stories for the public. We jumped at the opportunity to nominate the team for this award, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see them recognized at the state level for their hard work and commitment.”
An awards ceremony will take place on October 6 in Ellensburg. To see a complete list of the 2026 Award Recipients when they are released, please visit: https://dahp.wa.gov/news-events/historic-preservation-month/2026-shpo-awards.
The Historic Trust docents lead weekly tours at Providence Academy and Marshall House on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm. In addition to historic tours, volunteers also assist with summer events, Secret Spaces tours, and the annual Holiday Tea. Their generous gift of time and talent is vital to the mission of The Historic Trust.
The Historic Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of The Historic Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history. For more information about The Historic Trust, visit https://www.thehistorictrust.org/ or call 360-992-1800.
The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation is the state agency responsible for preserving and promoting Washington’s archaeological and historic resources. DAHP works with communities, property owners, Tribes, federal and state agencies, and preservation organizations throughout Washington to identify, protect, and interpret the state’s cultural heritage.
