The Best of Maryland awards shine a spotlight on the ceaseless work of Maryland’s volunteers, architects, artisans, legislators, and many more individuals who are doing the essential work of protecting the places that make Maryland such a special place to live, work, explore, and celebrate.
Our 2024 Award Recipients:
President’s Leadership Award
Presented to individuals to recognize exceptional leadership and commitment to preserving Maryland’s rich and diverse heritage.
Wayne and Harriet McGinnis
Wayne and Harriet have dedicated their lives to the stewardship and conservation of agricultural lands in Baltimore County and beyond. Their efforts have inspired state and nationwide programs for agricultural land preservation. Their dedication to their farm and community has left a lasting impact on Baltimore County. They have put over 1,000 acres of their own farmland into agricultural preservation and led the charge for Baltimore County’s agricultural preservation and strategic RC2 zoning, making it one of the most impressive counties in Maryland for its land stewardship and smart growth efforts. Their children’s involvement in farming and community service ensures that the McGinnis family’s legacy of agricultural excellence and community dedication will continue for generations to come.
Artisan Award
Presented to an individual or group of individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the art and artistry of a craft or trade that is used in the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes, or archaeological sites in Maryland.
Dwayne Carroll, Durable Restoration
Dwayne is a master mason with two decades of experience who has dedicated himself to the preservation and restoration of historic structures. A respected and compassionate mentor, Dwayne’s projects include George C. Widrick House (Frederick), Worthington Farm (Monocacy), Alexander Randall Double House (annapolis), and Edgar Allen Poe House (Baltimore).
Phoenix Award
Presented to individuals or organizations to recognize projects demonstrating excellence in the revitalization of threatened or abandoned historic resources.
Robert W. Johnson Community Center Pool Restoration
In 2019 the Maryland Historic Trust, through the African American Heritage Preservation Program, awarded the Robert W. Johnson Community Center in Hagerstown a $100,000 grant to rehabilitate its 60-year-old pool. Closed in 2016 because the repairs were previously unaffordable, Campers would regularly use the pool each summer for free as part of local programs. The renovation is set to be complete later this year.
Preservation Champion Award
Presented to an elected official in Maryland that champions historic preservation policy, programs, and supporting funding, and recognizes the importance of preserving Maryland heritage.
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Frederick County Council President Brad Young
Frederick County is committed to identifying and preserving the rich historic and cultural resources that enhance the County’s unique identity. Under the leadership of County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Council President Brad Young, Frederick County Council adopted Bill No. 24-01 as amended, “Updates and Additions to the Historic Preservation Ordinance” on April 16, 2024. The adopted bill went into effect on June 15, 2024 and can be viewed here.
Stewardship Award
Presented to individuals or organizations to recognize exemplary stewardship of Maryland’s historic buildings, collections, landscapes, and archaeological sites.
Penn Station Partners, for the exterior renovation of Penn Station
Penn Station Partners, the team including Cross Street Partners, Amtrak, and Beatty Development that is leading the transformation and renewal of the city’s c. 1911 Pennsylvania Station, revealed the multi-year process of cleaning, repairing, repointing, and relighting the south-facing station exterior in spring of 2024.
Gearhart Award
Presented to an individual who is employed as a professional by a historic preservation organization, agency, or academic institution and who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, knowledge, and creativity in the protection and preservation of Maryland’s historic buildings, neighborhoods, landscapes, and archeological sites.
Becky Axilbund, Main Street Middletown
In 2018 Main Street Middletown, Maryland was awarded a $10,000 Heritage Fund grant in support of their ongoing efforts to purchase and protect two historic buildings in the Middletown Historic District – 19 and 21 West Main Street – both of which are notable for their size and distinctive features.
Under Becky’s leadership the structures were able to be purchased and their future vision as a Welcome Center inched closer to reality.
In August 2024 and Main Street Middletown, Maryland celebrated the rehabilitation of those two structures as it opened its new Welcome Center.