HAGERSTOWN, MD (May 16, 2024) – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners awarded local citizens at the 44th Annual John Frye Historic Preservation Awards ceremony and luncheon. The recipients were awarded for their dedication and commitment to preserving and protecting the history of Washington County through historic rehabilitation, restoration, infill, letters, and advocacy.
2024 John Frye Historic Preservation Award Recipients
The Spielman Farm – 2024 Preservation of Historical Structure Award
Sometimes called the Hogmire-Berryman Farm, or the Spielman-Hogmire Farm, this historic farm complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Inclusion on the National Register does not always guarantee excellence in restoration or preservation. Not until 2014, when Jim and Linda Clement purchased the farm did the property begin to transform under their meticulous restoration efforts. In the past ten years they completely restored the late 18th-century house along with the barns, slave dwelling, and icehouse with fabulous results.
Lehman’s Mill – 2024 Adaptive Reuse Award
Ron and Cindy Brezler purchased the circa 1870 historic Lehman’s Mill and adjacent farmhouse in 1996. They tastefully converted the mill into an upscale country décor and furnishings gift shop while retaining the historic character of the interior and exterior. Most recently they have changed the business to an upscale consignment shop. They have restored the adjacent farmhouse as their residence. Recognition of this carefully restored and lovingly maintained historic property is long overdue.
Ritchie History Museum – Ritchie Revival – 2024 Advocacy/Adaptive Reuse Award
The federal government closed Fort Ritchie in 1998 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process. After several failed attempts by private entities to devela the property, it sold to John Krumpotich in the spring of 2021. John undertook the monumental task of developing the decommissioned army base while preserving its historic buildings. In 2023, he opened the Ritchie History Museum, to exhibit, and interpret the powerful story of the fort’s history and its contribution to Maryland and American military history.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380.
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