Acanthus Awards Program

The Oshkosh Landmarks Commission, the historic preservation committee for the City of Oshkosh, is accepting nominations for its annual Acanthus Awards for Historic Preservation. The Acanthus Awards are presented before the Oshkosh City Council during National Historic Preservation Month every May.

Since 1981, the City of Oshkosh has honored members of the community that have made contributions to local historic preservation through awarding of the Acanthus Awards. The Acanthus Awards are generally given in one of the following five categories, although awards may not necessarily be given in each category every year. Past recipients have ranged from organizations. Property owners and individuals involved in activities that have enhanced our historic and cultural resources.
Self nominations are always welcome.

Eligibility

To be considered for an Acanthus Award:

  1. The building, activity or achievement must be located or taken place within the City of Oshkosh.
  2. The work involved or results of the project or activity must be considered substantial with benefits accessible to the public.
  3. The project or activity must demonstrate a benefit to historic preservation.

Nomination Materials

The nomination form should be accompanied by:

  1. A brief written statement (on a separate sheet) explaining the project, work, activity or achievement completed and an explanation why the project or accomplishment merits nomination.
  2. Photographs of the project, if applicable. Before and after photographs are most helpful.
  3. Any other information that would assist the Landmarks Commission in its evaluation of the nomination.

To submit a nomination for an Acanthus Award for Historic Preservation, please complete the nomination form and mail to:

Oshkosh Landmarks Commission
Attn: Acanthus Awards
215 Church Avenue
PO Box 1130
Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130

or

E-mail information to: LC@oshkoshwi.gov

For more information contact:

Steven Wiley, Staff Liaison
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission
920-236-5062
LC@oshkoshwi.gov

Award Categories

RETENTION OF A RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Building retention is for properties where a substantial amount of a historic buildings original interior and/or exterior has been retained and preserved over time.

FACADE REHABILITATION OF A RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Façade rehabilitation calls attention to the thoughtful and appropriate maintenance, repair or reconstruction of a historic buildings exterior that acts to preserve its architectural style and original features.

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF A RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Adaptive reuse category focuses on the preservation of a historic building which may have required changes necessary to enable a new use but which has given the building a “new life” and “modern” purpose.

PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES
Preservation activity category is awarded to individuals or organizations that advance the cause of Historic Preservation. Examples of activities include preservation action groups, education efforts, and research/investigation endeavors. These activities need not focus on buildings but include subjects such as documenting Oshkosh history, historic districts or areas, crafts and artifacts, and/or archeology.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
Special achievement category is for significant accomplishments of individuals and/or organizations in regard to historic preservation, education and awareness as well as lifetime work that is or has become a integral part of Oshkosh’s culture and history.