Local Efforts in Historic Preservation Recognized at Annual Awards Ceremony

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In a continued effort to spotlight the importance of historical preservation, the Washington County Board of County Commissioners honored several individuals and organizations at the 45th Annual John Frye Historic Preservation Awards on May 15 in Hagerstown. The awards recognized initiatives that have contributed significantly to maintaining and revitalizing Washington County’s rich historical legacy through restoration, reuse, advocacy, and conservation.

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Among the awardees was the Douglas G. Bast Museum of History and Preservation, Inc., which received the 2025 Preservation of Historical Structure Award. Founded by the late Doug Bast in 1975, the museum houses a broad collection of artifacts reflecting both local and international history. A dedicated team has worked to preserve and organize this collection, ensuring its availability to the public as an educational resource and historical archive.

The 2025 Adaptive Reuse Award was given to two recipients: Port 44 and The Updegraff. Port 44, a woman-owned business located in Williamsport, has made strides in conserving the town’s architectural heritage by repurposing old structures for modern uses, thereby enhancing the aesthetic and economic vitality of the historic downtown. Similarly, The Updegraff in Hagerstown, originally built in 1882 as a factory for hats and gloves, was transformed by Blackthorn Capital Partners into upscale apartments and retail space. Its renovation includes a bagel shop and pub on the first floor and 21 residential units above, blending historic charm with contemporary design.

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The National Road Heritage Foundation received the 2025 Hershey Schooley Advocacy Award for its educational initiatives related to Maryland’s historic transportation networks. By installing museum exhibits in repurposed buildings such as a trolley station and hardware store, the foundation has helped illuminate the history of the National Road and the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway. These displays provide insight into the development of towns and infrastructure that followed these critical routes across the region.