Partners in Preservation Awards

Each year, the Oakland Heritage Alliance honors individuals, organizations, projects, and programs whose work demonstrates a commitment to excellence in historic preservation. In doing so, we hope to inspire others to take action to preserve, protect, and promote Oakland’s historic, natural, and cultural resources.

Award recipients are honored during an annual awards ceremony and reception. This year’s award ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center.

Award Categories

Oakland Heritage Alliance will offer awards in the following categories. You may nominate yourself or another person/project.

  • Stewardship- Thoughtful maintenance and/or continued use of an historic resource by its owner(s).

  • Education- Innovative program, publication, or media tool that communicates the value of historic preservation to the general public.

  • Adaptive Re-Use- Conversion of a historic structure for a new or compatible use while retaining its architectural integrity.

  • Building Restoration- Removing incompatible alterations and reconstructing missing elements to reflect a building’s historic appearance in a given era.

  • Legacy Business- Businesses that have served the Oakland community for fifty years or more.

  • Individual Achievement- Professional or volunteer who has contributed to the preservation over the length of his/her career.

More than one award may be given in each category.  If you do not know what category is most appropriate for your nomination, the OHA PIP committee will select a category

Celebrate With Us!

This year’s ceremony will be held on the evening of Sunday, September 22, 2024 at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center.

Award recipients will be honored during our annual Partners in Preservation Awards Ceremony. This event is open to the public, and we invite you to attend and celebrate with us. Ticket sales support the work of the Oakland Heritage Alliance.

Each selected nominee will receive two tickets to the awards ceremony. Additional tickets are available for purchase. Fee waivers are available upon request.

Eligibility

Nominated projects must have been completed within the geographical boundaries of Oakland within the last five years. Projects not yet completed will not be considered.

  • Self-nominations are accepted.

  • Nominations may be submitted without the knowledge of the nominee

  • Nominations that are not selected for awards in previous years may be revised and resubmitted, provided the five-year time limit has not been exceeded.

Application Process

Applications may be submitted using our online form or by mailing a PDF application. Nominees will be contacted directly by Oakland Heritage Alliance for further information and award notification.

Award Recipients should be prepared to submit several large high-resolution photographs a 1-2 page narrative/statement. At least one person from each project must attend the awards event, although certificates will be issued to those who are unable to attend.

Nominations are due by July 15, 2024 at 11:59pm.

Past Award Winners

Oakland Heritage Alliance has been steward of the Partners in Preservation Awards Program for over a decade. Awards have been awarded to local historians, historic preservation professionals, building restoration projects, community history projects, educators, volunteers, and more. We invite you to learn more about our past award recipients by exploring our Past Winners Archive.