Ohio

Heritage Ohio announces annual award winners at historic Canton Palace Theater

By Staff Report
Matt Wiederhold, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio, presents the Joyce Barrett Historic Preservation Hero award to Ohio History Connection President Megan Wood, on behalf of Governor Mike DeWine. They are joined on stage by the Heritage Ohio Board and Ohio Main Street Programs Executive Directors. The award is a custom work of art by Heritage Ohio Board Chair and artist, Dave Williams, of Dayton.
Matt Wiederhold, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio, presents the Joyce Barrett Historic Preservation Hero award to Ohio History Connection President Megan Wood, on behalf of Governor Mike DeWine. They are joined on stage by the Heritage Ohio Board and Ohio Main Street Programs Executive Directors. The award is a custom work of art by Heritage Ohio Board Chair and artist, Dave Williams, of Dayton. Hertiage Ohio

Heritage Ohio recently announced the winners of its 2025 Historic Preservation and Ohio Main Street Awards, in conjunction with their annual conference.

The ceremony was held in the historic Canton Palace Theater in downtown Canton, Ohio.

An independent jury selected the thirteen winners from over 60 nominations. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was honored with the Joyce Barrett Preservation Hero Award for his long-time support of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which has supported the restoration of 975 buildings in over 90 communities, and has generated several billion dollars in reinvestment across Ohio.

Best Main Street Committee Project - Junior Mainstreet Piqua Program (Piqua) Junior Mainstreet Piqua empowers student leaders through hands-on downtown projects, giving them real responsibility and meaningful experience revitalizing their community.

Best Main Street Committee Event - Scare on the Square (Wadsworth)

Scare on the Square draws thousands downtown each October with trick-or-treating and its viral 300-dancer “Thriller” flash mob, boosting community spirit and business engagement.

Main Street Business of the Year - Tippecanoe Gazette (Tipp City)

The Tippecanoe Gazette has become a vital multi-platform voice for Tipp City, strengthening community connections and supporting downtown revitalization under Greg Enslen’s leadership.

Best Downtown Placemaking - City of Bowling Green’s Historical Signs (Bowling Green) Bowling Green’s Historic Preservation Commission installed 16 downtown interpretive signs that bring the city’s history to life, supported by partnerships, volunteers, and a Certified Local Government grant.

Main Street Volunteer of the Year - Vickie Wilkins (Tiffin)

For more than a decade, Vickie Wilkins has strengthened downtown Tiffin through dedicated leadership, creative event development, and unwavering service to the Main Street mission.

Spirit of Main Street - Lesley Sickle (Kent)

Lesley has shaped Main Street Kent through her creative branding, community partnerships, and public art leadership, earning citywide recognition for her impact and dedication.

Manager of the Year – George Sam (Medina)

George Sam led Main Street Medina to strengthen preservation, expand community engagement, and revitalize their downtown through strategic planning, impactful projects, and innovative tools.

Best Commercial Rehabilitation - Dayton Arcade (Dayton)

The historic Dayton Arcade, once long vacant, has been transformed into a vibrant hub for arts, innovation, and community life, preserving its iconic architecture while driving downtown revitalization.

Best Commercial Rehabilitation - Bear’s Mill (Greenville)

Critical restoration work by the Darke County Park District has stabilized Bear’s Mill and refurbished its original 1800s turbines, ensuring this rare water-powered landmark remains an educational and inspiring piece of Ohio heritage.

Best Residential Restoration - Joseph & Emma Smith Home (Kirtland)

Meticulously restored to its 1830s appearance using archaeological and historical research, the Joseph and Emma Smith Home in Kirtland now stands as a renewed cornerstone of Historic Kirtland and a place of reflection and learning.

Historic Theatre of the Year - Holland Theater (Bellefontaine)

The fully restored Holland Theatre, complete with its recreated marquee and a thriving schedule of performances, once again shines as a symbol of community pride and the cultural heart of downtown Bellefontaine.

Young Preservationist of the Year - Chris Mowen (Toledo)

Architect Chris Mowen has revitalized historic landmarks across Ohio while advancing preservation locally and statewide through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for future preservation professionals.

The conference was presented in part with support from the Ohio Department of Development, Coon Masonry and Restoration, Sandvick Architects, GBX Group, Marous Brothers Construction, Ohio Arts Council, Ohio History Connection, and others.

Learn more about the work of Heritage Ohio at www.heritageohio.org.