Lowell National Historical Park News Release

2014 Excellence Awards Recognition

For Community Contributors

“During National Preservation Month, Lowell National Historical Park and the Lowell Heritage Partnership celebrate community efforts in the realms of historic preservation, cultural heritage, and volunteerism.  Recognition of these accomplishments will occur at the kick-off of Doors Open Lowell 2014, on Thursday, May 15. For eight years, the Park and Partnership have recognized contributions in Lowell for excellence in historic preservation and cultural heritage. ‘When we recognize extraordinary persons, businesses, and organizations for preserving and celebrating our heritage, we are saying we value these efforts,’ Lowell Heritage Partnership president Paul Marion said. ‘Our history is what makes us special.’ This year, award recipients include:

“Excellence in Historic Preservation: Boott Mill Developers LLC for Boott Mills West: To the partnership of Winn Development and Rees-Larkin Development for Boott Mill West, the final of four phases of the redevelopment of the historic Boott Cotton Mills complex, involving the renovation of 180,000 square feet of largely vacant mill space into 79 mixed income apartments and 40,000 square feet of commercial space. And Charter Environmental for Residences at Perkins Park & The Administration Building: The Residences at Perkins Park (formerly known as Parcels 2A and 2B) and the Administration Building reflect the beauty and character of the old mills as well as the functionality of their use. They were once part of the thriving Lawrence Manufacturing textile mills, circa 1840-1875.  The project transformed the structures and incorporated new construction for apartments and the UMass Lowell’s Development Office.

“Student Excellence in Historic Preservation: Greater Lowell Technical High School Painting & Design and Electrical Students in the Trades Skills Program: These students contribute their technical skills in construction by preserving park resources and discover Lowell’s history through a partnership between the High School Construction Cluster, Community Teamwork, Inc., and Lowell National Historical Park.

“Excellence in Cultural Heritage: Phousita Huy, Artistic Director of the Angkor Dance Troupe:  Phousita Huy is an internationally recognized master performer and instructor of Cambodian classical dance. For many years of the Angkor Dance Troupe’s existence, Huy has provided opportunities for hundreds of youth to learn traditional Cambodian dances and is also a champion for the innovation of new Cambodian performing arts pieces.

“Also being celebrated: George and Helen Hartzog Volunteer Award: In addition to these partner awards, Lowell National Historical Park was recently notified that the Seashore Trolley Museum volunteer group is the recipient of the 2014 National Park Service Northeast Region’s George and Helen Hartzog  Award for the summertime operation of Trolley 966 alongside park trolleys and the National Streetcar Museum.

“We invite the community to join us to recognize the special heroes in the cultural and revitalization efforts that are so important to the National Park and our city government,” Celeste Bernardo, Superintendent stated.  Award recipients will be acknowledged during the reception on Thursday, May 15 to kick-off Doors Open Lowell 2014 at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 115 John Street. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Phil Lupsiewicz atphil_lupsiewicz@nps.gov or 978-275-1705. For more information about Doors Open Lowell 2014, visitwww.doorsopenlowell.org.  For more information about programs and offerings at Lowell National Historical Park, please visit www.nps.gov/lowe or call 978-970-5000.”