Area residents were among the recipients of Monmouth County’s 2015 Preservation Awards.
The Monmouth County Historical Commission presented the awards to individuals and groups who have engaged in successful preservation and restoration projects on their own.
The winning projects reflect the preservation movement and restoration of historic sites in the county, according to a press release.
The honorees include:
Dave and Lisa Griffiths were applauded for the restoration of the Clarksburg Home in Millstone Township that they have been working on for 12 years.
Scott and Bonnie McFie restored the Johnson/Agres house and barn in Millstone Township over 16 years.
Carl N. Steinberg, James W. Donechie Jr., the Marine Corps League Cpl. Philip A. Reynolds Detachment, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4374 and Freehold Borough were recognized for the restoration of the Freehold World War II Honor Roll and Court of Honor.
Nelson Kuperberg and David Giffler were applauded for the restoration of the Taylor Farm Homestead, a private residence in Freehold Borough.
Old Tennent Church, Manalapan, received recognition for the restoration of the 18th century weathervane which stands 10 feet tall on top of the church.
“We speak regularly of Monmouth County as a historic county,” Freeholder Lillian Burry said. “Monmouth County is historic not only for what happened here, but for the efforts of those who preserve its buildings to ensure they will be here for future generations.
“Preserving these sentinels of the past takes more than an interest in history; it takes personal dedication, hard work and financial commitment by these current guardians of our shared heritage,” Burry said.
Preservation awards are given out annually to recognize people who have preserved a piece of Monmouth County history, according to the press release.
“Monmouth County has an amazing collection of historic buildings,” said John Fabiano, executive director of the historical commission.
“These buildings include places to live, places to worship and places of public accommodation. The owners of these properties, and community organizations, work tirelessly to maintain them not for the awards, but because they care about preserving our heritage for the next generation,” Fabiano said.