John H. Ziegler Historic Preservation Awards of the Centre County Historical Society

Congratulations to the Award Honorees for the 2025 John H. Ziegler Historic Preservation Awards of the Centre County Historical Society for their work and dedication to preserve history and historic sites in Centre County. Many thanks to all who assisted with and baked for the event!

The ceremony was filmed by C-NET, sponsored by the Centre County Government, and can be viewed at the link below. Scroll down for more information about the Award Honorees .

With special thanks:
C-NET Sponsor: Centre County Government

Graphic Design: David Lembeck • Venue: American Philatelic Society
Awards Program Committee • Co-chairs: Katie O’Toole and Ford Risley
Awards Program Committee Members: Rebecca Inlow, Matt Maris, Sue Hannegan, Jackie Melander, Bob Hazelton and Richard Pencek, Mary Sorensen, Executive Director, Johanna Sedgwick, Marketing and Events Coordinator, and Katy Stager, Archives Coordinator

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Award Nomination Information

Have you noticed people that are preserving history or historic sites in Centre County? Let us know! Nominations for 2026 will be due by May 1, 2026. Start looking around! For more information about the John H. Ziegler Historic Preservation Awards and to submit a nomination, click on the button below:

You may also download the nomination form below and send by May 1 to the
Historic Preservation Awards Committee
Centre County Historical Society
1001 E. College Avenue . State College, PA 16801
Or email to info@centrecountyhistory.org with HP Award Nomination in the subject line.

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Since 1988, the Centre County Historical Society has annually recognized individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in preserving and interpreting Centre County history.

2025 Award Recipients

Preservation and Restoration
The Nittany Lion Inn
Gary Brandeis

For the extensive restoration of the historic Nittany Lion Inn, a National Trust for Historic Preservation–recognized historic hotel, restoring the property to its longstanding role as a cherished tradition for the local community and Penn State alumni.

History and Heritage
University Club Heritage Project
Directed by James Collins and Vicki Fong
For leading the project to preserve the University Club’s historical documents and artifacts that tell the story of the club’s unique cultural legacy in the broader community over the past century.

Education and Advocacy
Rick Rishel
Centre County Library and Historical Museum
For the outstanding and long-term commitment to preservation activities in Centre County at the Centre County Library and Historical Museum including countless hours spent cataloging, preparing exhibitions, and scanning to make collections accessible to the public.

Support and Volunteerism
Gerald Hefferan and Zachary Chambers
For significant contributions to historic preservation in Centre County through their gifts of time, talent, and project leadership working with the David House Heritage Museum in Snow Show, development of the Mountaintop Historical Day event, and for promoting the rich history of the Mountaintop region of Centre County.

CCHS President’s Award
Jacqueline R. Esposito
For exemplary service to the Centre County Historical Society as its Collections Management Chair. Her contribution through ongoing work with interns and staff, and insights as a professional archivist have exponentially benefited the Historical Society’s archives by increasing their public accessibility.

Jacqueline J. Melander Award
Michael Hermann, Purple Lizard Maps
For his years and countless hours devoted to appreciating Centre County’s natural landscape by making it more accessible through his Purple Lizard Maps.

Thank you to this year’s award recipients and contributors to the John H. Ziegler Historic Preservation Awards of the Centre County Historical Society.

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