DENVER, COLORADO.-  This afternoon, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the 21 winners of its prestigious 2003 National Preservation Awards. The honorees were recognized during the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s week-long 2003 National Preservation Conference in Denver, Colo.

When their history was at stake, these preservationists stepped up to the plate. In many cases, not with an overarching quest to protect our nation’s past, but simply to make sure that their community’s heritage remained in place for their children and grandchildren to experience and learn from. Whether the oldest and "best" carousel in the United States, or the 13th-century surface ruins and cliff dwellings of a scarcely known ancient tribe, or one of the oldest and most ornate state houses in the U.S., the National Trust’s 2003 Preservation Awards illustrate the great diversity of our country and honor the dedication of citizens, organizations, and public and private entities who have worked to ensure that the best parts of our past are preserved for the future.

"We are very pleased with the quality and breadth of the projects that this year’s award winners represent," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "From preserving the nation’s beloved historic lighthouses to reviving a historic home to provide child-care for an underserved community, these awards capture the stories of countless preservationists, historic places and landmarks throughout America. People are growing increasingly aware of the importance that their historic resources play in maintaining healthy, livable communities. From revitalizing economic growth to providing wholesome outlets for families and school children to learn about our history, preservationists have shown time and time again that the key to providing a better future is in honoring the past. Many of this year’s winners overcame staggering adversity with unwavering faith in their vision. Through their tireless work, these winners make sure that America’s story is told in all its exuberance and drama and diversity - that’s what historic preservation is all about."

The National Preservation Awards are annually bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation.

For more information and images on the 2003 National Preservation Award winners, visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.

THE 2003 NATIONAL PRESERVATION AWARD WINNERS:

-- Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award: Walter Nold Mathis, San Antonio, Texas -- This is the Trust’s highest honor -- For almost half-a-century, Mathis has devoted himself to celebrating and protecting the heritage of Texas -- particularly his home town of San Antonio. Serving as chairman of the city’s Historic Review Board for 20 years, Mathis set a high standard for projects that made San Antonio the mecca for tourists that it is today. He also has personally restored several South Texas properties, helped the San Antonio Conservation Society acquire a historic house as its headquarters, led the successful effort to save a 19th-century convent and convert it into an acclaimed arts-and-crafts school, and chaired a statewide commission that oversaw the award-winning restoration of the Texas Governor’s Mansion John H. Chafee Trustees’ Award For Outstanding Achievement In Public Policy: U.S. General Services Administration, Washington, D.C.

-- National Trust/ACHP Award For Federal Partnerships In Historic Preservation: The Governors Island Partnership, New York, New York

-- National Trust/HUD Secretary’s Award For Excellence In Historic Preservation: Ziegler Estate/La Casita, Los Angeles, California

-- Trustee Emeritus Award For Excellence In The Stewardship Of Historic Sites: Central City Opera House Association, Denver, Colorado

-- Trustees’ Award For Organizational Excellence: Preservation League of New York State, Albany, New York

THE 2003 NATIONAL PRESERVATION HONOR AWARD WINNERS:

-- Atlantic City Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey

-- Beaumont Hotel, Ouray, Colorado

-- Fair Park, Dallas, Texas

-- Ferry Building, San Francisco, California

-- Hidalgo Pumphouse, Hidalgo, Texas

-- Indiana Cotton Mill, Cannelton, Indiana

-- John (Jack) Shannahan, former Director of the Connecticut Historical Commission, Hartford, Conn.

-- Kit Carson Carousel, Stratton, Colorado

-- Market Hall, Charleston, South Carolina

-- Massachusetts State House, Boston, Massachusetts

-- Michigan Volunteers, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

-- National Historic Light House Preservation Act of 2000, Nationwide

-- Porcupine House/Ute Mt. Tribal Park, Towaoc, Colorado

-- Portland Museum of Art, Portland, Maine

-- Stone Avenue Temple, Tucson, Arizona

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize communities.