On May 18th, Lowell Heritage Partnership and Lowell National Historical Park hosted a reception to honor the annual Community Excellence Awards in Historic Preservation and Cultural Heritage as a kick off of Historic Preservation Week and Doors Open Lowell.
This year’s recipients were: UMass Lowell Professor Ingrid Hess for her children’s book “Mr. Magnificent’s Magical Merrimack Adventure”for Excellence in Cultural Heritage St. Patrick Churchfor Church Interior Restorationfor Excellence in Historic PreservationJim Lichoulas, III for Mill No. 5 at Appleton Millsfor Excellence in Historic Preservation.
Earlier in the evening, the LHP also elected officers for the 2017-2018 year. James Ostis was named president of the board after serving as vice president for the previous term. Joining him is Fred Faust returning to an officer position as the vice president of the board and the chair of the Waterways Vitality Inititiative Working Committee. Jane Calvin continues as the group’s treasurer. The position of clerk will rotate for this term. Ostis replaces Paul Marion, who has served as president of the board for much of the LHP’s 17-year history.