HELENA — The Helena-Lewis and Clark County Heritage Tourism Council is accepting nominations for its 2026 Historic Preservation awards. Supporters say protecting historic buildings helps preserve Helena's identity, boost tourism, and keep local history alive.
WATCH FULL STORY HERE:
“Well, it is our, I guess you’d say our calling card,” said historic preservation assistant Kathy Macefield, “I mean it's our identity.”
The city of Helena has a rich history, visible through numerous historic buildings and landmarks, like the cathedral or capitol building, to name a few.
Each year since 1994, the Heritage Tourism Council recognizes individuals or organizations who have done restoration work for historic properties.
“We just completed an online survey where the public said to us what's important here, and they said our history and our historic buildings,” Macefield.
For those looking to preserve history themselves, the council put together a directory with contractors with preservation experience and who share the same values.
“Why do people congregate in front of the Hawthorne instead of the Walmart parking lot?” asked CWG Architecture president Tony Perpignano, whose company is listed in the directory. “That's an example of why historical fabric and culture within a community helps people come together.”
People can either nominate themselves for the award or be nominated by others, even the council itself.
Nominations for the 2026 Historic Preservation awards are due by 5 p.m. on August 28th. Organizers say every preservation project helps keep Helena's history standing for future generations.
