Lansing, Michigan – Michigan’s past took center stage at the State Capitol as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer honored six preservation efforts that are helping communities protect old places while giving them new meaning for the future.
The 2026 Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation were presented during a ceremony hosted by the State Historic Preservation Office.
This year’s recognized projects represent communities across Michigan, including Clarkston, Coldwater, Detroit, Isle Royale, Lansing, and Northfield Township. Together, they show how historic preservation can reach far beyond saving buildings.
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It can support housing, protect cultural memory, strengthen local identity, and bring fresh life to places that still have stories to tell.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation,” said Governor Whitmer.
“Across our two peninsulas, these awardees are helping us build a stronger Michigan by preserving the places and stories that define our state. They’re creating affordable housing, honoring traditions, creating jobs and growing our economy. Today’s awards are a reminder of Michigan’s rich past and bright future. Let’s keep working together to build a brighter future for Michigan.”
Now in its 23rd year, the annual awards program is held during National Historic Preservation Month. It was created by the State Historic Preservation Office to highlight outstanding work that protects Michigan’s unique character, including historic places and archaeological sites that help explain the state’s rich past. The 2026 ceremony was held in Heritage Hall at the Michigan State Capitol.
This year’s honorees reflect a wide range of preservation work. According to state officials, the awards recognized a major adaptive reuse project in Detroit, an affordable housing project in Lansing, continued family stewardship of a drive-in theater in Coldwater, important survey efforts in Clarkston and Northfield Township, and a partnership focused on archaeological resources on Isle Royale.
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This year’s six awardees for the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation represent the remarkable diversity of Michigan’s historic resources,” said Ryan Schumaker, State Historic Preservation Officer.
“This year’s honorees include a major adaptive reuse project in Detroit, an affordable housing project in Lansing, a family’s stewardship of a drivein theater in Coldwater, significant survey efforts in Clarkston and Northfield Township, and a unique partnership supporting the stewardship of archaeological resources on Isle Royale. Each awardee reflects a strong commitment to preservation and to telling a fuller, more inclusive story of Michigan’s past.”
From city neighborhoods to island landscapes, the projects honored this year point to a shared idea: history is not something Michigan is leaving behind. It is something communities are carefully carrying forward.
For full details and videos of each project, visit here.