For their actions which “have accomplished noteworthy positive changes in the historic preservation climate and have made a significant contribution to the preservation of Michigan's Heritage,” the Washtenaw County Heritage Tours Project has been honored with a 2008 Michigan Historic Preservation Network Award. 


The Heritage Tours project supports historic preservation, education and outreach, presented via an interactive "tour" online.  This web-based tour is presented through a series of themed maps identifying historic and architectural resources within Washtenaw County:  German Heritage, Historic Barns, Greek Revival Architecture and the Esek Pray Trail.  

Washtenaw County's Principal Preservation Planner Melissa Milton-Pung;  along with Preservation Specialists Kathy Holtz and Ina Hanel-Gerdenich; and Mary Kerr, President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, were presented with the award plaque at a ceremony held Friday, May 9th, at the Henry and Clara Ford Estate in Dearborn. 

  

"These Washtenaw County Heritage Tours have generated interest and awareness of local architecture and history throughout Washtenaw County and surrounding locales" notes Milton-Pung, and really "highlight some of Washtenaw County's best historic and architectural resources... encouraging increased awareness and appreciation, as well as proper stewardship for the enjoyment of future generations." 




Congratulations on this achievement to Washtenaw County Planning & Environment and their partners on this project: the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Saline Chamber of Commerce, Saline Area Historical Society, Washtenaw County Historical Consortium and the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County.