Preservation Achievement Awards
Historic Pittsford provides leadership, advocacy, and education to preserve Pittsford’s diverse historic resources. Its annual Preservation Achievement Awards recognize individuals, groups, or organizations whose outstanding efforts supported Historic Pittsford’s mission and made a significant contribution to historic preservation in the community.
Historic Pittsford is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Preservation Achievement Awards. The awards were presented at Historic Pittsford’s Annual Meeting on June 28, 2026.
Preservation Achievement Award
for Stewardship
Stefanie Hohmann
In recognition of her passionate and sensitive restoration of historic burial grounds in and around the Rochester region, but especially for preserving countless headstones in Pittsford’s Pioneer Burying Ground, on the grounds of the Pittsford Cemetery, and for her active role as a Board Member of the Pittsford Cemetery Association since January 2026. Through her social media platforms, Stefanie engages new audiences with historical storytelling by researching the people buried in these neglected plots and sharing their stories so their memories are preserved - not lost - to the passage of time.
Posthumous Preservation Achievement Award
for Stewardship
Nadia Rusinovich
For over two decades, Nadia Rusinovich and Shelley O'Brien carefully maintained the settlement-era Thornell homestead. The couple made an extraordinary commitment to acquire and rehabilitate the adjacent William Thornell barn complex when it became endangered. In an era where historic agricultural structures are rapidly disappearing, Nadia and Shelley's efforts have ensured this important Pittsford landmark property will survive for many more years to come. Nadia leaves a lasting legacy and many people who will miss her dearly.
Information and a nomination form for the 2027 Preservation Achievement Awards will be available here in March 2027.
Nominations may be submitted for a Preservation Achievement Award in any one of the following categories:
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Stewardship Award – for the sensitive preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or long-term maintenance and care of a historically significant property
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Advocacy Award – for leadership of public or private efforts in support of historic preservation
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Education Award – for the creation and implementation of programs, presentations, materials or educational activities which promote and support historic preservation
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Public Policy Award – for the creation and approval of public policy which advances the principles of historic preservation