Steven Engelhart, Executive Director Emeritus of Adirondack  Architectural Heritage (AARCH), and Whitcomb’s Garage in Whallonsburg have been recognized  for Excellence in Historic Preservation by the Preservation League of New York State. Since 1984, the Preservation League’s statewide awards program has highlighted projects,  organizations, publications, and individuals that exemplify best practices in historic  preservation and recognize the people using historic preservation to build stronger  neighborhoods, create local jobs, provide affordable housing, open our eyes to overlooked  history, and save the places that are special to all of us.

Steven Engelhart received an Excellence in Historic Preservation award for his creative,  inspirational leadership, which has encouraged the protection of historic resources and strengthened the historic preservation movement in New York State. With over 40 years of experience in the field of historic preservation, Steven has become a leading voice in preservation efforts throughout the Adirondack region and a readily identifiable leader in saving its treasured places.

“Steven Engelhart has been a stalwart preservation advocate for decades, and the League has  been honored to work closely with him on a range of projects over the years,” said  Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “From the campaign to save Great Camp Santanoni, a dedication to the region’s vernacular architecture, and a commitment to the  people who call the Adirondacks home, Steven is truly deserving of this statewide recognition.”

“While I have worked with Steven collaboratively for many years and long admired his thoughtful dedication to historic preservation, since I started at AARCH as his successor just  three weeks ago, that admiration and respect has grown even greater,” said Erin Tobin, Executive Director of Adirondack Architectural Heritage. “Not only has Steven been at the forefront of many coalitions to protect and preserve the Adirondack region’s architectural history, he helped create and lead an extremely strong and effective nonprofit.”

AARCH is also pleased to see the Whallonsburg Grange Hall’s project at Whitcomb’s Garage recognized with an Excellence in Historic Preservation award for its renovation and  rehabilitation. This volunteer-driven project took an empty 20th century garage and  transformed it into a vibrant business and arts center. It is now home to five businesses — Boquet Valley Forge, Kit+Syl Studio, Joe Dinapoli Pottery, Sojen Design, and The Hemlock  Apologist — and a publicly available community room for classes and small performances.

Additional information about the 2021 Excellence Award winners, including interviews, videos,  and more, can be found on PLNYS’s website.